Becker Bible Studies Public Classroom

New Public Classroom

2009-07-07T09:02:00.000-07:00

On August 24, 2009, our new public classroom is opening. The Moodle classroom will be located at http://www.guidedbiblestudies.com/moodle. The studies will be deep and detailed, and done in the format of Internet college courses. Its an exciting time for Becker Bible Studies as our classroom grows to the newest places, and becomes a professional deliverer of teachings that are stirred by the Holy Spirit.

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Calvin) (Purging)

2009-01-05T11:02:00.000-08:00

Our newest classmate, XXX, stated something very wise in an introduction letter I received from her. She said that she realized at some point that she needed to start advancing in her Christian growth toward Christ. (Not her specific words, but I think I captured her focus). She is so right!

So often, churches repeat the messages over and over and over; Christians become stagnated with ritual and rote and repetition. Focus becomes placed upon tradition, rather than the moving, living LORD God, His Word and His Spirit.

Calvin points out that we could never come close to the LORD God and do His works, unless we are both pruned and cleansed. He thinks that you are clean already, because of your belief in the Word of God and that the meaning of pruning is doctrine. Specifically, Calvin says...

He (Jesus) points out the means of pruning, namely, doctrine; and there can be no doubt he speaks of outward preaching, for he expressly mentions the word, which they heard from their mouth. Not that the word proceeding from the mouth of a man has so great efficacy, but, so far as Christ works in the heart by the Spirit, the word itself is the instrument of cleansing.

First, lets look at the Scripture that Calvin is talking about...

“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.” “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” (John 15:2, 3 KJV)

He's right...Jesus directly says that we are made clean through the Word of God that He spoke.

That's how powerful His Word is. Just by hearing His Word we are made clean. Remember what purge means? 2508. kayairw kathairo kath-ah’-ee-ro; from 2513; to cleanse, i.e. (specially) to prune; figuratively, to expiate:— purge.

Now, make no mistake! Let's put this in real terms!

1. Original sin can only be removed by death, and that death happens at the baptism or actual death of a person. Check.

2. The redemption of our sins through the blood of Jesus Christ happens at a future date. Check.

3. So what is Jesus talking about being made clean through His Word?

That is our topic today, class. What is exactly cleansed in you when you are studying His Word? Do you believe that the purging comes from the doctrines derived from the Word of Jesus Christ like Calvin believes, or do you believe that the pruning goes deeper than that? How does Jesus make you clean with His Word? Give us examples of how when you are not in the Word, you become dirty. Explain the importance of being in the Word continuously, so your cleanness is assured. Take care that you don't confuse being clean with salvation! We are talking about two different concepts here!

Looking forward to your sharing!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Calvin) (Branches 2)

2009-01-05T11:00:00.000-08:00

WOW! We're getting the teachings! We have even deeper things to learn concerning branches.

Calvin warns everybody what he believed to be a false teaching by the Papists (the Roman Catholic Church), that says that we bring something to the table that also helps produce the fruit to glorify God.

This is Calvin's words...

The doctrine invented by the Papists is, that we have something of ourselves in addition to his grace. But Christ, on the other hand, declares that we can do nothing, and therefore, he not only extols the aid of his co-operating grace, but deprives us entirely of all power but what he imparts to us. Accordingly, this phrase, without me, must be explained as meaning, except for me.

I looked up the Catholic Church position in their Catechism. They say...

859 - Jesus unites them to the mission he received from the Father. As "the Son can do nothing of his own accord," but receives everything from the Fther who sent him, so those whom Jesus sends can do nothing apart from him, from whom they received both the mandate for their mission and the power to carry it out.

308 -The truth that God is at work in all the actions of his creatures is inseperable from faith in God the Creator. God is the first cause who operates in and through secondary causes: "For God is at work in you, both to will andto work for his good pleasure." Far from diminishing the creature's dignity, this truth enhances it. Drawn from nothingness by God's power, wisdom, and goodness, it can do nothing if it is cut off from its origin, for "without a Creator the creature vanishes." Still less can a creature attain its ultimate end without the help of God's grace.

In other words, there are two schools of thought concerning this verse...

“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. 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.” (John 15:4-5 KJV)

Roman Catholic Belief - It is the Grace given by the LORD God plus yourself that produces the works for Him, by uniting the will of the Father through the vine of Jesus Christ to his branching follower..

Protestant Belief based on Calvin's teachings - Only Jesus Christ does the works of God. It is only His vine that produces fruits, and the branching followers are merely a conduit for His fruit to grow.

Now class, don't assume anything. Think this one out. Are works only done through you as a conduit, or are you responsible for those works also? If it is only Jesus Christ doing the works through you, why would you need to study the Word of God? If it only requires the moving of Jesus Christ through you, without any regard to yourself, why do some people do more works than others?

You know what? Each of you must contemplate these questions deeply, because your answer will choose a path of spiritual growth. There may be no wrong answers here...it may just be different paths. In the next couple of days, we're going to be thinking about and addressing this issue.

Looking forward to the discussion.

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Calvin) (Branches)

2008-12-14T15:54:00.000-08:00

You know, before we started this Bible Study Template format, and discussing the things of the Old Guys, I would have probably declared myself more aligned with Calvin than any other. However, it seems like every study, I find flaws in this thinking, but then Becca argues with me a little bit, and I come back toward him. I never know where I will end up until we discuss it completely...so make sure you discuss it!

This one is no exception. He says that John 15:2 is often misinterpreted to mean that a believer is separated from the vine of Jesus Christ.

“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.” (John 15:2 KJV)

Calvin says NO WAY! A believer will never be removed from Christ once He is part of the vine!

He says...

"As some men corrupt the grace of God, others suppress it maliciously, and others choke it by carelessness, Christ intends by these words to awaken anxious inquiry, by declaring that all the branches which shall be unfruitful be cut off from the vine. But, here comes a question, Can any one who is ingrafted into Christ be without fruit? I answer, many are supposed to be in the vine, according to the opinion of men, who actually have no root in the vine.

In other words, Christ does not remove believers, but dead works. If a person is removed from his vine, then it is a dead work of man...that person never belonged to the vine of Jesus Christ in the first place.

Calvin says...

"And every branch that beareth fruit he pruneth." By these words, he shows that believers need incessant culture, that produce nothing good, unless God continually apply his hand; for it will not be enough to have been once made partakers of adoption, if God do not continue the work of grace in us.

According to Calvin, rightfully so, unless God is moving the believer, righteous works will not be done! Everybody say Amen to that...that belief is not a problem.

But here's the tricky part...Calvin thinks that if we neglect doing the things we are supposed to be doing for God, that those opportunities get lopped off, but the believer remains part of the vine.

Sudden removal of a member from a fellowship no doubt in many people's minds that God does indeed lop off believers who refuse to do His Will. As much as I like for Calvin to be right, and as much as I like to think that we cannot lose the close embrace of the LORD God through Jesus Christ, the examples during this lesson period argue differently. we're not talking about salvation...that's the business between the fallen believer and the Lord.

We're talking about the removal of a branch...is it a dead work as Calvin suggests, or a believer who has walked away from Christ? If Calvin is to be believed, then the loss of a fellowshipping member would be as a result of a "dead work" of us. Calvin's belief suggests that the place where the believer received the things of God failed her, and she withered away.

The way I think right now, the fallen believer fails himself. They are given many wonderful, grace-filled opportunities, but in the end, a fallen member choses the world over Christ.

If one of our other fellowshipping members starts becoming unfruitful, more concerned with the things of the world rather than the things of Christ, self-focused rather than group-caring, or weak in spirit, is there something we should be doing? Is there anyway of preventing the loss of another fellowshipping Christian by group action? Does God prune that branch off after the person leaves Him or before the person chooses? How much warning does a person get before his branch is pruned away? What are some of the spiritual symptoms that a unfruitful believer exhibits before the branch gets lopped off? If another of our beloved classmates suffers these same symptoms, what can we do to lift them back to the vine, and start growing once again?

Important questions that we need answers to. As always class, the Holy Spirit has put real life examples in our midst so we can sort through and learn this stuff deeply.

David "Bucker" Becker

Theology (Filoque Clause)

2008-12-14T13:25:00.000-08:00

HEY NOW! What are we doing talking about so much theology! For the last six months, we have been studying things straight out of the Word of God, and now all of the sudden, we're delving into theology! And, what is theology, anyway? And, Why should it matter to us Christians who just want to study the Word of God, and not get mixed up with other things?

Okay, it's like this. For the last six months, the Holy Spirit has been leading us to know our Lord Jesus Christ and his nature and relationship with His Father really well. Because we have been taught these things so well, we now are getting exposed to beliefs of others. These beliefs are important to us, because they determined the direction the different churches took. In these End Times, we're seeing alot of corruption in churches, and alot of pretend Christianity, and alot of confusion among the faithful. The devil is doing his best to perpetuate these weaknesses that came as a result of bad theology.

Theology, by the way, is how different believers believe. Okay, Jake, I'm sorry...but this is going to be a long one!

Often, people against Christianity make the charge that there are too many different interpretations by too many different churches, which prove the Word of God untrue to them. Actually, there are just a few major disagreements, and a whole bunch of minor ones. The major disagreements ended up causing Christianity to branch off into Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Protestant.

We have already learned that the nature and will was a big disagreement with the Orthodox and Roman Catholics. There was one other, and that was the Filoque Clause that the Roman Catholics put officially into their creed and liturgy in the 6th-11th centuries.

Basically, here's the deal...

Eastern Orthodox believers say that the Holy Spirit derives only from the LORD God. Roman Catholic believers say that the Holy Spirit come from both the LORD God and Jesus Christ; that the Holy Spirit is part of both of them combined.

This argument derived from the Scripture we are studying right now! Remember that study (it seems like so long ago)!

“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:” (John 15:26 KJV)

This was a big disagreement, and the arguing still goes on today.

Okay, class...tell me what you think! The Holy Spirit has taught you about the Lord Jesus Christ and his nature for six months now. You have intimately met him in deeper communion than ever before. Are you able yet to gather some conclusions to your belief? Tell me, does the Holy Spirit derive from the Father LORD God only, or does it also come from the Lord Jesus Christ? What do you believe and why? How does the answer to the origin of the Holy Spirit change belief? Why do you think the answer to this question is important? And while you are at it, why is it important that we know where major disagreements in belief occur in Christianity? And...How do you like theology, anyway?

I promise we will get to the Old Guys and start reading their commentaries really soon. But, if you don't understand the major differences, you will never be able to appreciate the old guys' writings, because most of them are arguing about this stuff we're talking about today.

Okay, class, dig in there and tackle those questions, and tell me what you think! Can't wait for you to share!

David "Bucker" Becker

Theology (Will of Christ)

2008-12-14T13:23:00.000-08:00

Okay, class, today we are going to look at the Will of Jesus Christ. Now, if we were doing a deep, deep study, we could come up with many more "wills of Christ." However, we want to study enough to see difference between the stated will of God and the stated will of Jesus. I think this exercise might allow us to notice how the different wills interact.

Today, make statement of facts on the will of Jesus Christ as "specifically" revealed through His Word, and offer your reflections on the things you are learning at this point!

Matthew 8:3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

Matthew 8:7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.

Matthew 15:32 Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.

Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. (Although this expresses man's will, the deeper association reflects the will of Christ)

Matthew 26:31 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.

Mark 1:17 And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

Mark 1:41 And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.

Mark 11:29 And Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.

Mark 14:27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. {offended: or, scandalized, or, shall stumble}

Luke 6:9 Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?

John 2:19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

John 4:34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

John 21:22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

Ephesians 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

Looking forward to your sharings!

David "Bucker" Becker

Theology (Will of God)

2008-12-14T13:20:00.000-08:00

I have posted on a new post to go deeper in things. I looked up the Greek Word for the Will of God, and then copied all of the Scriptures that contain the use of this word. Look them over, and then answer the question at the end.

Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will <2307> be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will <2307> of my Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 12:50 For whosoever shall do the will <2307> of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

Matthew 18:14 Even so it is not the will <2307> of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

Matthew 21:31 Whether of them twain did the will <2307> of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.

Matthew 26:42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will <2307> be done.

Mark 3:35 For whosoever shall do the will <2307> of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.

Luke 11:2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will <2307> be done, as in heaven, so in earth.

Luke 12:47 And that servant, which knew his lord’s will <2307>, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will <2307>, shall be beaten with many stripes.

Luke 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will <2307>, but thine, be done. {willing, remove: Gr. willing to remove}

Luke 23:25 And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will <2307>.

John 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will <2307> of the flesh, nor of the will <2307> of man, but of God.

John 4:34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will <2307> of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will <2307>, but the will <2307> of the Father which hath sent me.

John 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will <2307>, but the will <2307> of him that sent me.

John 6:39 And this is the Father’s will <2307> which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.

John 6:40 And this is the will <2307> of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

John 7:17 If any man will do his will <2307>, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

John 9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will <2307>, him he heareth.

Acts 13:22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will <2307>.

Acts 21:14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will <2307> of the Lord be done.

Acts 22:14 And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will <2307>, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.

Romans 1:10 Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will <2307> of God to come unto you.

Romans 2:18 And knowest his will <2307>, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; {approvest…: or, triest the things that differ}

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will <2307> of God.

Romans 15:32 That I may come unto you with joy by the will <2307> of God, and may with you be refreshed.

1 Corinthians 1:1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will <2307> of God, and Sosthenes our brother,

1 Corinthians 7:37 Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will <2307>, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.

1 Corinthians 16:12 As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will <2307> was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.

2 Corinthians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will <2307> of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:

2 Corinthians 8:5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will <2307> of God.

Galatians 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will <2307> of God and our Father:

Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will <2307> of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

Ephesians 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will <2307>,

Ephesians 1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will <2307>, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

Ephesians 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will <2307>:

Ephesians 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires <2307> of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. {desires: Gr. wills}

Ephesians 5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will <2307> of the Lord is.

Ephesians 6:6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will <2307> of God from the heart;

Colossians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will <2307> of God, and Timotheus our brother,

Colossians 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will <2307> in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will <2307> of God. {labouring…: or, striving} {complete: or, filled}

1 Thessalonians 4:3 For this is the will <2307> of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will <2307> of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

2 Timothy 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will <2307> of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,

2 Timothy 2:26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will <2307>. {recover…: Gr. awake} {taken…: Gr. taken alive}

Hebrews 10:7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will <2307>, O God.

Hebrews 10:9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will <2307>, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.

Hebrews 10:10 By the which will <2307> we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Hebrews 10:36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will <2307> of God, ye might receive the promise.

Hebrews 13:21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will <2307>, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. {working: or, doing}

1 Peter 2:15 For so is the will <2307> of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

1 Peter 3:17 For it is better, if the will <2307> of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

1 Peter 4:2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will <2307> of God.

1 Peter 4:3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will <2307> of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

1 Peter 4:19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will <2307> of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will <2307> of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. {in old time: or, at any time}

1 John 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will <2307> of God abideth for ever.

1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will <2307>, he heareth us: {in: or, concerning}

Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure <2307> they are and were created.

Tell me class...which one of these would the will of Jesus Christ reflect differently than the Will of God as it is expressed? In fact, let's make this more manageable...Lets make a list of all of the things identified as God's Will, and then we will continue our discussion from that point

David "Bucker" Becker

Theology (Will of Man)

2008-12-14T13:14:00.000-08:00

Okay class. We have now reached the part of our study concerning the theology behind the word "will" that becomes less revealing. There is not much spoken in the Word of God specifically speaking about the will of man; however there is enough for us to know that there is one. And in the same verse, we learn that there is another "will of the flesh" spoken about. It is the only time the "will of the flesh" is used in the Bible.

The Scripture talking about the the begotten Son Jesus Christ in the beginning, speaks of both wills...

“Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:13 KJV)

Today class, I want you to just think about the "will of the flesh" and the "will of man," and contrast and compare them with each other. How do you think they differ from each other? Do we have both wills, one will, or neither will as Christians? Do you think that Jesus Christ had both of these wills also, one, or none? How can these will's help or hinder our walk with Jesus Christ. If we give up these wills to do our Father or our Lord's will, can it be said that we no longer have a will?

I'm truly looking forward to your thought process on the will of the flesh, and the will of man!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Theology - Nature and Will)

2008-12-14T10:00:00.001-08:00

Okay class, since you have such a keen understanding now of nature and will, I want you to be aware of the different thoughts in Christianity concerning these things. Because of your religious background, your studies may have led you to one place or the other. None of us know for sure, because the nature and will of Jesus Christ is first and foremost of God, and we cannot know God completely in our limited human being. However, we have studied the nature of Jesus Christ in three studies now, and we each should have an idea about what we believe.

Putting it in really tough words...Do you believe that Jesus' nature and will are joined in a Hypostatic Union, or as the views expressed by Monophysitism, Nestorianism, or Monotheletism.

Wow! Those are tough words aren't they! These three different beliefs have caused alot of heartache, persecution, death, and separation of the Christian Church. Do you want to know what these words mean?

1. Hypostatic Union - Some believe that Jesus Christ had both natures of God and Human within him while he walked upon the earth as well as two wills, both human and divine.

2. Monophysitism - Some believe there is only one inseparable nature (partly divine, partly and subordinately human) in the person of Christ.

3. Nestorianism - Some believe that Jesus Christ existed as two persons; as the human being Jesus Christ, and also as the Son of God with two different natures and two different wills.

4. Monotheletism - Some say that Jesus Christ had two natures, but only one will.

So, why is this important to know?

It is not critical to faith...but it is critical to knowing your Lord. You cannot come close to him intimately if you do not know his nature. That would be no different than us doing a Bible Study together and not sharing our nature, will, personality, intellect, emotion, self-awareness and self-determination. It would be a weak Bible Study, wouldn't it?

We must meet Jesus in Truth, and learn his nature, to know him. But here's the problem...man got involved in defining set beliefs, that often are not reflected in the Word of God. Here's even a bigger problem...I believe that the things we have learned in these last few studies lead us to know the nature of Christ very well...yet, not one 5th century belief covers that Truth completely.

In the 5-7th century, the old guys defined belief at that time, and established churches enforcing that belief. That's how things got so skewed back then, and thats why religion is often so confusing to us today.

Please don't get me wrong on this one...many religious practices are established by God and bring glory to Him! However, bad theology prevents people from getting closer to Him. It's always better to learn what the Word of God reveals through His Word and His Moving, and try to apply that knowledge to our practice of faith.

So, class, what do you believe at this point in your study? (Make sure you explain why you believe the way you do!)

Did Jesus Christ have two natures, one divine and one human, with two different wills (Joined together when he was on earth)?

Did Jesus Christ have one nature, with divine and human combined, and only one will?

Was Jesus Christ two different people entirely, with separate natures and wills?

Did Jesus Christ have two natures, with only one will?

Did Jesus Christ have two natures, one which stayed in Heaven, and one which he possessed on this earth, with one will that reflected the Will of His Father?

Make sure you commit to a belief and tell us why! That helps firm your belief up into a place that cannot be confused easily.

John 15:1-16:16 Word Studies Semantic Range (Self

2008-12-14T09:54:00.000-08:00

By golly, I think you understand it! YEA!

We have two more to go, and I have never considered them before.

Self-awareness: Knowing self well. Having a balanced and honest view of your own personality, and often an ability to interact with others frankly and confidently.

Self-determination: Right to decide for self. The ability or right to make your own decisions without interference from others.

The closest I could come to defining these with just a few words is this...

Self-awareness knows own soul

Self-determination chooses own way

What do you think? Are those definitions manageable enough to allow you to understand it when it comes up again? If anyone thought of anything better, don't be shy, and share with the rest of us. You risk nothing but ridicule that will last only for a few days, with a small attack upon your nature, that will just sting slightly, and provide great enjoyment for the rest of us!

Back to the lesson...

The Parts of a Soul

Nature reacts instinctively

Will chooses purposefully

Personality reflects individuality

Intellect reasons knowledge

Emotion expresses feeling

Self-awareness knows own soul

Self-determination chooses own way

I will be placing this in our typology so we always have easy reference.

I am positive you understand self-awareness and self-determination, and have no need for word connections. However, I want you to think about these concepts as deeply as you can.

Why do you think that God gave us two "Self" controls when He created us? As we walk closer and closer to Him, do you think that we have as much self-determination as the beginning of our earthly life? Did Jesus have the same option of self-determination that we have? And here's a good question about Self-awareness...So often in our natural lives we want to shout out to people "If you only knew me!"...Okay, here's the question...does your self-awareness match the things and ways you have shared in this classroom better than it does with the ways you share with the world?

Can't wait to read your responses!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 Word Studies Semantic Range (Personality)

2008-12-14T09:49:00.000-08:00

Hey All!

GOOD LEARNING DAY YESTERDAY!

As I was waking up this morning, and talking with the Father in a way that resembles prayer, I was moved to something new for my consideration. He made me aware that all of these things we are discussing right now, are a part of our souls that will live eternal. When I made the list yesterday, I had grabbed the terms from several places, having a little bit of knowledge of the old guys thoughts that I was pretty sure the Holy Spirit would cover. Now that list comes together, and God moves me to know that these words are connected in a very, very special way that has relevance to all of us! Ain't that cool!

By the way, I thought we would be covering nature and will some more, but I'm being moved on. I suspect we will be addressing nature and will deeply in the next coming weeks.

We are examining all of these words separately, and combining them in a way that God wants us to associate them for future teachings. Because it was so difficult for us to get this avalanche started yesterday, I'm going to fill in the definitions of our study today. That will give us the opportunity to move quickly to a greater understanding without having to volley terms back and forth.

NATURE REACTS INSTINCTIVELY

WILL CHOOSES PURPOSEFULLY

Personality reflects individuality

Intellect reasons knowledge

Emotion expresses feeling

Self-awareness

Self-determination

Okay, while you guys contemplate these new definitions we are working with, I will come up with another list of words that you can separate out into the various uses of your soul. You can comment if you wish as I prepare!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 Word Studies Semantic Range (Nature, Will)

2008-12-14T09:31:00.000-08:00

Hey all!

We're going to take a little break from the Bible today, and try to narrow down the definitions of some words. These words define the concepts that we're going to be talking about alot for the rest of the study.

Specifically, I want you to define the following words for me in the context of the things we are learning from the Word of God, as well as the meanings that are exemplified by your own life.

Nature

Will

Personality

Intellect

Emotion

Self-awareness

Self-determination

Wrestle with these words. Look them up in a dictionary. Consider them with the Word of God. Consider them within yourself. Then write down your thoughts, and make them easier for the rest of us to understand!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Hebrew/Greek) (Reprove Righteousness)

2008-12-14T09:27:00.000-08:00

“Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.” (John 16:7-11 KJV)

The Holy Spirit reproves sin, righteousness, and judgment. Yesterday, we discussed how we thought that reproof came to people of the world. I think we all agreed that the Holy Spirit expects our light to shine brightly through His moving, to be a beacon for those who desire to come closer to Him. While ministries that evolve out of the harsh places of life are very effective for those who dwell there, they are for those who dwell there. In other words, when a person embraces God, Christians are given a new life, and removed from the profane gathering places of the world...every time. It is by choice that a Christian stays in a carnal environment. Sometimes, God moves them to go to that carnal environment for a specific ministry; however, that is probably rarer than you think.

One of the biggest problems that Christian leadership fails to address is the problem of the saved sinner. The lower down the "world chain" we go, the more apt Christianity becomes a focus on the past sin, rather than the forgiven hope. You end up with a Christian who continuously talks about how bad they were, and how good they are today in comparison. While that seems simple at first, it hinders Christian growth tremendously. Self-pride in how sinful they once were, and how clean they are now, causes a person to stay at that spiritual growth level forever. If you are not growing with the Spirit then you are giving up blessings of God that He is giving you to help you through this life.

Okay...back on point...

So the Holy Spirit convicts a worldly sinner of their sin as they walk toward the light of Jesus Christ. That's an easier one to understand than is the one we are going to study today...RIGHTEOUSNESS. Righteousness is exactly opposite of Sin! Why are both words used in the same concept? What does it mean?

Righteousness - 1343. dikaiosunh dikaiosune dik-ah-yos-oo’-nay; from 1342; equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification:— righteousness.

UP! UP! UP! Righteousness (as used in this context) means CHRISTIAN JUSTIFICATION!

Christian justification means ...
The LORD God's gracious and full acquittal based upon principles of His righteousness of all sinners who repent and believe in Christ. Justification brings the believer unto a relationship of peace and favor with God.

Hold up! So the Holy Spirit convicts a person of their sin, and then proves to them by His presence within the believer that they receive full forgiveness for that sin, and are able to enter into a peaceful and favored relationship with God!

Say What! That means that sinners who leave their environment after being convicted of their sins, are also moved into relationship with God, convinced that their past no longer matters! If that is the case, then why, oh, why do so many Christians talk about their sinful deeds of the past?

Its a good sign that they have not yet been baptized of the Holy Spirit, or its a good sign that they are attention getters and they have found a good schitick, or its a good sign that they had a bad Christian Leader that makes them think this is the way Christianity is expressed, or it is a good sign that their choosing to quench the Holy Spirit and stay where He found them, rather than go where He wants them to go.

Today, class, I want to talk about the second phase of the Holy Spirits tasks of reproof. Do you think that reproof of righteousness is for the new Christian, or the old one? How does this reproof help your own Christian faith and walk with Jesus Christ? What happens if this second stage of reproof is not embraced by a believer?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Hebrew/Greek) (Cannot Bear)

2008-12-14T09:25:00.000-08:00

“I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.” (John 16:12 KJV)

Last night, my precious XXX had to deal with a devastating attack from her past, as Satan tried to destroy her with pains from twenty years ago. God allowed it. Why? Because Becca was now strong enough to bear the attack. She was spiritually prepared, and able to withstand the forces of evil that were thrust upon her. SHE SURVIVED! THANKS BE TO GOD!

We're used to that, right class! These last months have been pretty tough on all of us...one after another after another is having to be faced with some pretty tough battles. The battles are getting more and more personal and strong from the enemy, and the purpose is to wear us down, to make us give up, to cast doubt among our fellowship and to force us to walk away. Our fellowship is hurting the plans of the wicked, and preventing their efforts from being successful. Yep...we're used to that kind of attack! Through each other, we bear the weakness of our weakest, until their strong, and then somebody else needs our together strength. Fellowship is a way that is provided by our Lord to bear!

It is on our Lord's heart all of the time! How much can we bear? Even evil has to be allowed to cause their trouble. One quick look, and they would be destroyed immediately by our Lord. But he allows attacks to come in our midst. Why? Because he has confidence that we can BEAR them. If our spiritual growth is at a place that will prevent bearing, He would not allow the troubles to come.

Bear - 941. bastazw bastazo bas-tad’-zo; perhaps remotely derived from the base of 939 (through the idea of removal); to lift, literally or figuratively (endure, declare, sustain, receive, etc.):— bear, carry, take up.

One of the many great aspects of our Lord is he measures the load we can carry, and will not allow anything to come to us that we cannot bear! He loves us that much!

But now, we learn something even deeper. Not only does he prevent evil and wickedness and attacks from putting upon us more than we can bear...He also controls the things of God that are taught us, the revelation of prophesy that is spoken, and the deep things that reveal Him to us closer than before. Jesus knows that even new spiritual information and new knowledge can cause us to be overwhelmed, and unable to bear the great spiritual things of God.

One step at a time, learning one part of God, then another...we are never given the whole picture ever...we cannot bear the great knowledge of God in one sitting or one lifetime. Jesus knows the measure of our spirits, and he knows how much we can bear, and he gives us new information as we are able to receive it without being overwhelmed. In fellowship, we are able to receive more, because it is our collective strength that supports each other, and that makes it easier for us to carry a heavier load of learning than by ourselves.

Today, class, please discuss the load you bear in learning the things of God. Analyze how your experience with fellowship study is different from personal study. Consider all of the things that you have learned over the last few months, and measure the load. If you had learned these things five years ago, would it have overwhelmed you? How would your life be different if you had been unable to receive the great teachings these last few months in this fellowship?

Looking forward to your sharings!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Hebrew/Greek) (Mine)

2008-12-14T09:19:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

I will not be putting on a lesson tomorrow, because I will have already begun eating. I plan on eating all day. When I am not eating, I plan on visiting with my loved ones, putting a puzzle together, teaching them a little Bible, and then napping. I plan on doing nothing else tomorrow.

However, I am alert for changes to this, because as we all know, it is these times when the enemy likes to pounce. But, since I will be eating all day, he better not pounce very much, or I might explode!

I am so thankful for all of you, and hope that you are going to have a great Thanksgiving. When we return to the classroom, we're going to start XXX's favorite part...looking at all the old guys and sorting it all out.

You are going to be in for one big and delightful ride, and you are going to be amazed at how much you really know. XXX started a delightful Thanksgiving sharing in the Application part. Make sure you get over there and fill that out...once we start the old guys study, you will be surprised at how much you really have learned and what you have to be thankful for!

“He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you.” (John 16:14-15 KJV)

Everything ... ALL THINGS ... that belong to the Father, belong to the Son Jesus Christ. ALL THINGS! Jesus Christ takes the things of God, and gives them to us through the Holy Spirit! That's how we are able to come closer to the LORD God, while learning the things Jesus wants us to know!

Get it?

Today, class, I would like for you to get to XXX's Thanksgiving sharing and comment on the things you are thankful for learning, that come from the Father, through the Son, by the Holy Spirit to us!

While you're eating your turkey and contemplating the things of God, I want you to think about one thing to prepare for our next class...

Nature and Will. Think about the difference of these two things, and figure out a way to express them that can make us all understand the differences. That will be our next discussion, when we return!

Happy Thanksgiving!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Hebrew/Greek) (Guide)

2008-12-14T09:16:00.000-08:00

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” (John 16:13 KJV)

Yesterdays study brings us right into today's study. The Holy Spirit does not teach you his things, but rather the things that Jesus tells him to speak. Those things that are given you to learn are given daily, so you are able to "bear" the load of the deep knowledge, while still grow toward Him daily.

I want you to note one very important word...GUIDE! The Holy Spirit does not feed you knowledge. He GUIDES you to that knowledge. It is not an abacadabra moment that you have...one day you wake up and understand deep things of God...NOPE! You have to work for it!

Guide means 3594. odhgew hodegeo hod-ayg-eh’-o; from 3595; to show the way (literally or figuratively [teach]):— guide, lead.

The Holy Spirit shows us the way, He leads us to new understanding. Contrary to common pretend Christian belief...going to church every Sunday, and opening the Bible once a week is not going to lead to anything!

You must study daily, search the Scriptures often, and go where the Holy Spirit is leading, if you intend to learn anything! The LORD God and our Lord Jesus Christ want us to learn, but they are not going to fill us up with new knowledge if we are not in a place where we can be led to discover it!

The Holy Spirit hears the things that Jesus Christ wants each individual learner to receive, and he guides the learner toward that truth. You can be certain that the Holy Spirit does not just use Bible study to guide you to that growth...He uses life experiences to bring that message home. We have seen it over and over in this classroom. When we are learning a new and deep concept, many of our life events reflect that same message. That is not by accident. The Holy Spirit guides perfectly, and brings study and life together so the believer can understand.

What is this application? First and foremost, realize how important it is to study the Word of God, and stay atop that mountain, so you are always available for the Holy Spirit to guide you. When you are high in the spiritual realm, realize that every thing that is happening to your life might well be a guiding of the Holy Spirit to cause you to recognize the deep application of your new learnings. Don't come off that mountain! You lose precious time as you try to figure out how to get back up, and you can't be guided as effectively by Him if you are using all your energy to just climb!

Comment as the Holy Spirit guides you!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Hebrew/Greek) (Reprove Judgment)

2008-12-14T09:06:00.000-08:00

Hey All!

First, I wanted to share something I found in my personal study that I thought was kind of neat!

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier [matters] of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” (Matthew 23:23 KJV)

Reproof of Sin brings mercy from the LORD God
Reproof of Righteousness brings faith from the LORD God
Reproof of Judgment brings judgment from the LORD God

So, some of the responsibilities of the Holy Spirit that we are studying these last few days are connect to the weightier matters of the law! It would be accurate to say that one of the major responsibilities of the Holy Spirit deal with just this aspect!

Okay...on to the lesson today...

“Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.” (John 16:7-11 KJV)

One of the things that I didn't stress yesterday is the reason that the Holy Spirit reproves the world of righteousness...

Because Jesus is not present on this earth with us! We can't see him because he went to His Father in Heaven...if he were with us, his great love for us would be seen and felt and known completely, and we would not question our status in his kingdom. But he is not with us presently, and the Holy Spirit fills that gap. The Holy Spirit reproves righteousness, so those that come to Christ, know they can be redeemed of their sins.

Reproof of judgment is given to the worldly also. Before we get to judgment however, lets talk just a little bit more about the worldly.

The Holy Spirit is tasked with providing the weighter things of the law to the world. You are part of that world. At one point in your life, you received conviction of sin, righteousness and judgment in measured amounts by the Holy Spirit. So does the rest of the world if they choose to come closer to Him. But, once you have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, that conviction of sin, righteousness and judgment are not tasks that the Holy Spirit performs within you. These are tasks that are given to the worldly.

Yet, as XXX mentioned, as maturing Christians, we still have those convictions within us. Once placed there, they do not go away. It is exactly the reason we are able to have faith today, because the Holy Spirit placed the weightier matters of law within us as we came close to accepting Christ as our Savior. Do you all understand?

Okay...on to Judgment. THEY KILLED OUR JESUS CHRIST ON A CROSS THROUGH THEIR JUDGMENT, AND THEY WILL BE JUDGED AS A RESULT! The Holy Spirit reminds us of this deep inside us everyday. He placed that promise, that guarantee inside us even before we accepted Christ as our Savior. It is the final verdict, the final judgment, Christ's Final Judgment, that will free us once and forever from the control of this world!

One day the enemy will be judged for what they do, and the Holy Spirit puts this guarantee within our souls, and we know for sure! The wicked of the world will be judged! Their day is coming!

I have no questions for today. I hope that you are stirred by the three things of the Holy Spirit that express the weightier things of God's law, and are moved by Him to add to this teaching. Looking forward to your responses!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Hebrew/Greek) (Reprove Sin)

2008-12-14T09:01:00.000-08:00

“And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.” (John 16:8-11 KJV)

These verses have a whole bunch of learning just waiting to pop out at you. In the next few days, we're going to be discussing these same verses, looking at them from different perspectives.

Today, we're going to understand how the Holy Spirit "reproves the world of sin" because they don't believe in Jesus Christ.

Reprove means 1651. elegcw elegcho el-eng’-kho; of uncertain affinity; to confute, admonish:— convict, convince, tell a fault, rebuke, reprove.

Sometimes Christians get this one wrong...they speak of the Holy Spirit convicting them of sin.

Christians aren't convicted of sin, folks, the worldly sinners are convicted of sin.

“For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.” (John 3:20 KJV)

But, lookee here...Even the worldly sinners won't be reproved if they don't come toward the light. This verse lets us know that the Holy Spirit will reveal the sins of a world lover if he tries to come close to Jesus Christ, to allow him to reject sin, and embrace a Savior. But, the world lover still must come toward the light! Therefore, the Holy Spirit convicts sinners of their wrong-doing, but only those who seek.

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [them]. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.” (Ephesians 5:11-13 KJV)

Now listen closely to this portion...

IT IS A SHAME TO SPEAK OF THINGS DONE BY THE WORLDLY SINNERS IN SECRET! The devious, sick acts of sexual perversion, for instance, are not something we should even be thinking about. Of course, reality requires us to take precautions for our children to protect them; however, if that attention crawls into the bedroom of the worldly, then believers are standing where they should not!

The Holy Spirit's job, which becomes our job, as He speaks through us, is to reprove those worldly sinners who are coming toward the light. In other words, if they want to be a Christian, they have got to understand the things they do that are sinful, so those things can be rejected, and the Lord Jesus Christ embraced.

It's kinda like a spiritual don't ask, don't tell policy. What the world does in their bedrooms is perverse, sickening and disturbing. It is a shameful thing that should be so far from our minds that we never think of it. Yet, what are the churches focusing on? Yep, the things that are going on in the worldly sinners bedrooms! What a waste of precious time! It's not quite as fun, I suppose, to quietly lead a homosexual to God without talking about the dirty and nasty things of the worldly perverse. It's not as attention getting when a worldly sinner starts walking toward the light, and his sin starts dropping away, without once bringing focus to the profane and dirty acts he did.

Mark my words well...many of the wrong focuses of the church today are misdirected and harmful, and will lead to even more false doctrine being spoken from the pulpits. Believers need to get their minds out of the gutters and worldly bedrooms, and place their focus on helping people come toward that light! You don't create false barriers, and you don't go down to the level of the sinner. However, you do stand tall in the middle of that light, so when a sinner walks toward Jesus Christ, you are standing with the Holy Spirit, to help convict him of sin, and claim salvation in faith that is freely given to him.

And we're not just talking about the sexually perverse! I have seen the worst of sinners become righteous with one bold step of faith toward Christ. The Holy Spirit opens their eyes, their minds, and their hearts immediately, and convicts them of their sins. They know immediately what He is talking about, and they immediately desire to stop those sins because they realize it prevents them from Jesus Christ! There is no pleading or arguing or talking dirty necessary...when the Holy Spirit convicts, you can be certain, the receiver knows exactly what He is talking about, and he will be ashamed!

The worldly sinners are another story completely. They continuously sin, and are proud of their actions. The Holy Spirit did not come to cause them to know their sin! He came only to reprove the world of sin, but that reproof starts as a seeker looks for the light of God. Until that search begins, the heart of a sinner is far from God, and the Holy Spirit is not going to make an effort!

However, by the mere presence of the Holy Spirit on this earth, the world is convicted of sin. Now we are talking about general terms. And I believe that it is in general terms that this Scripture is written. If the Holy Spirit were not available to help a worldly sinner come to Christ, then the worldly sinner would have no way of knowing what a sin was...they are that blind. Through the presence of the Holy Spirit, the world is given an opportunity to be convicted of their sin, and that general statement is powerful and enlightening without any specifics at all!

“I charge [thee] therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:1-5 KJV)

This is the Scripture that many evangelistic organizations use to prove they need to be in the wordly sinners homes and telling them what is right and wrong with their lives.

I believe 2 Timothy 4:1-5 charges us to stand tall in our ministries, and preach the Word of God so effectively, that when the worldly sinners come toward the light, the Holy Spirit can convict them of their sins. That when they come toward the faithful evangelist, they hear good Word, and know what they need to do.

Okay class, here's the question of the day...Where should you be standing as you preach the Word of God? Should you be in the bedrooms of the perverse, in the bars of the inebriated, in the den of thieves, in the gutters of the bum, and in the tents of the terrorists? Or should you be standing tall in a righteous life, proclaiming the Word of God in seasons and out of season, staying consistent and in the light, where the worldly sinner can see and know where he must walk to access a chance to receive God? Does John 16:8 and John 3:20 bring you to a deeper understanding of the reproof given by the Holy Spirit to the world?

By the way...this seemingly insignificant question has already touched your life in this classroom. Remember XXX? He was convinced that a Christian should wallow in the dirt of sin, and pull out a sinner. I am convinced that a spiritually strong Christian should stand tall and firm, and be a beacon of light for the sinner to walk toward. That basic difference makes all the difference in the world, and it is why XXX left us. There is a great chasm between the two different schools of belief, and the believers on my side of this belief are very slim...most take XXX's approach as evidenced by the numerous Christian efforts inside the bedrooms and bars of the world.

What do you believe?

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Hebrew/Greek) (Expedient)

2008-12-14T08:59:00.000-08:00

“Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” (John 16:7 KJV)

Okay, I think we get it by now that the Holy Spirit could not come to us until Jesus ascended into Heaven to sit at the right hand of His Father. It was at that time that Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to us to perform many different duties.

I think, however, that the word "expedient" has always bothered me. Why would Jesus Christ think that we would prefer the Holy Ghost over his presence? Now I know that he has sent His Comforter, to help us with our feelings of lostness and the hole of sadness that comes from him being away from us. But I want him to know that it is His presence that I long for also...it's not just what the Holy Spirit brings gifts to me...it's about a connection of deepest love I have for my Savior and He has for me.

When Becca and I first came together, she had difficulty understanding love. She thought that she could only be loved if she did something for somebody...that she was totally unworthy to be loved on her own merit. So I fought with her for many years over this very subject. It took me a long time to prove to her that I loved her, even if she couldn't cook me a dinner, or balance a budget or raise the kids. I love her inside out...if she were unable to do one more thing for me, I would still love her. AUUUGGHGHH! I fought so hard to make her realize it! It was a big struggle, but HURRAY, she gets it now!

But, here's the problem...when I hear Jesus say that it will be expedient for him to leave so the Holy Spirit can come to us, I get that same feeling deep inside me. I want to shout out to Jesus, you don't have to give me one gift, you don't have to do one more thing for me...I love you for who you are and IT IS NOT EXPEDIENT FOR YOU TO LEAVE! Then I feel guilty, because I appreciate all of the comfort and gifts that the Holy Spirit puts inside me, that allows me to communicate with my Lord whenever we desire.

Does that make sense to anyone?

Expedient means 4851. sumferw sumphero soom-fer’-o; from 4862 and 5342 (including its alternate); to bear together (contribute), i.e. (literally) to collect, or (figuratively) to conduce; especially (neuter participle as a noun) advantage:— be better for, bring together, be expedient (for), be good, (be) profit(-able for).

It means that I will be better off when Jesus leaves because the Holy Spirit will come. It means that the Holy Spirit will come and help me bear the pain I feel because Jesus isn't in my presence.

I guess when you get down to it, Jesus knows how much I love him, or he wouldn't have sent the Holy Spirit to comfort me. Just as long as he knows!

Today, class, I want you to try to connect with the love you have for Jesus Christ. It's going to be harder than you think. We are so used to hearing the crucifixion account and His Passion, we are so comforted by the always present Holy Spirit, that we forget a deep and longing pain to be in our Lord's presence. We have grown so comfortable with the comfort of the Spirit, that we forget that there would be a deep longing and an unlivable pain inside us if we were not receiving that comfort.

The best way I can address this issue is by challenging you to look upon someone you love deeply in life, and imagine how tough it would be at death. What would your life be like after the one you love the most suddenly was no longer with you? How would you cope? How would you survive? As you think upon that difficulty, imagine your Lord and Savior, whom you love more than any other on this earth, being away from you without contact. Think upon the deep despair you would feel, and the desperate need you would have to reach Jesus and touch him once again!

If you do not consider this provision of comfort that Christ sends us through the Holy Spirit, then you cannot understand the great gift of comfort He provides.

Jesus said it would be expedient, because he knew how deeply those who love him hurt because he is not with them. He can't stand us being in that much pain! That is why he sent the Holy Spirit to come to us, and bless us with the comfort that passes all understanding, and raises us up to our Lord, when we can't see him, but always realize his presence with us!

Share as you are moved.

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Hebrew/Greek) (Not Known)

2008-12-14T08:57:00.000-08:00

Now why would Christian church goers want to kill you when those terrible days come?

“And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.” (John 16:3 KJV)

Because they knew neither the LORD God, nor Jesus Christ.

It's as simple as that folks. Thats why I get away with calling these type of church-goers pretend Christians! BECAUSE THEY PRETEND! In fact, we've been tricked recently by pretend Christianity! Sometimes its hard to tell the difference when they are dressed up and smell purty...but when you start looking at the fruits they are producing, it becomes easily apparent.

Always remember this...there are alot of benefits that come to a pretend Christian. Church attendance brings an air of superiority over those who do not attend church. It allows for pretenders to associate with people who on the outside appear to be a little more affluent, a little more nice, a little more powerful, than those on the outskirts of their community. Business contacts and relationships are easily formed when a congregation of pretenders gather together!

Sadly, it is not just pretenders in pretend churches, today. There are believers who are tricked into believing they are walking the walk of Jesus Christ because the pretenders tell them that they are walking correctly. In the complete mix of things, our churches are becoming a very sad state of affairs and corrupted from the inside out.

Remember, though, I'm not talking about all Churches. I know that my Father is able to raise up good churches, and gather good people together...its just in these times, they are rare and far between, as His End Day begins to unfold.

Why do the pretend Christians want to harm us? Because they have not known the Father and not known Jesus Christ.

Today, class, I would like to discuss some of the things that are going on in churches today, that prevent a Christian from getting to know the Father and Jesus Christ. Is there anything we can do to reach inside churches and pull out the true Believers from away from the pathetic control of the pretenders? Do you think God would want us to do that, or just let them figure it out on His timing or theirs? What should we tell the pretenders the reason is that we do not go to church? What should we tell the sincere Christian church goers when they ask? How can your answer to each group bring glory to Christ and his Father in Heaven?

Looking forward to reading your thoughts!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Hebrew/Greek) (Kill you in the name of God)

2008-12-14T08:54:00.000-08:00

“They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.” (John 16:2 KJV)

Okay, class, we're getting to the heart of it all right here and now.

They shall put you out of the synagogues! What does that mean?

656. aposunagwgov aposunagogos ap-os-oon-ag’-o-gos; from 575 and 4864; excommunicated:— (put) out of the synagogue(-s).

Let me put it another way, that you will get! YOU WILL NOT BE WELCOME IN THE CHURCH! YOU WILL NOT FIT IN! YOU WILL BE UNABLE TO FELLOWSHIP WITH OTHER CHRISTIANS BECAUSE THEY THINK YOU ARE NOT WORTHY, OR YOU BELIEVE DIFFERENTLY, OR YOU DON'T DANCE TO THEIR TUNE!

Jesus warns us that there is going to come a time when people will kill us thinking that they are doing the work of God!

We're not talking about Muslims here, and we aren't talking about the worldly or the wicked! We're talking about the pretend Christians who are filling our churches today. We're talking about the pretend righteous who will one day attack everything we believe and try to kill us because we are making their false beliefs look bad.

Now, I know that many of you don't want to look at it that way, but to me, our Lord's warning is in black and white. Some might say that his instructions were only for the disciples and not applicable to us; however, I think we have established in our study that all of these words that Jesus speaks in this Scripture are meant for us also!

So, in the final measure of things, it is not the wicked and the worldly that will bring us down, but members of our own family of God.

Some of you may want to put a bag over your head and think that it is not going to come. But I have got to tell you something that is very, very important...

I am in a little different situation than the rest of you. I am boldly declaring and teaching the Word of God in a very public manner, away from the churches. The persecution that has come to me as a result of this has always been, but in the last couple of years, a very marked increase has come to me. It has escalated from name calling, and now developing into threats upon me and my family. The word wicked, cultist, and many ugly names is often used to describe the things I teach.

So, maybe you can understand why I am very quick to defend my teachings. This is so important! I am in the forefront, and it may not be happening to you yet! BUT IT WILL COME TO YOU! The things I suffer and must deal with by the church folk who are attacking me, will surely come down the pike to you also!

The sad thing is that when they attack me, they have a church lesson the next Sunday extolling themselves and their strong stance against me in the name of God. How can this be? I teach only the things of the Word of God? Why do the churches think I am wicked?

BECAUSE I TEACH THE WORD OF GOD! The churches are becoming more corrupt every day with the teachings of Lucifer and man mixed up into their doctrine! NOW LISTEN CAREFULLY! I'm not saying all churches are that way, but many are, and many more churches are falling daily! YOU MUST BE AWARE OF THIS and watch for trouble to come to you! You must enter into a fellowship of Believers that does not corrupt or pollute or water down the Word of God! IT'S THAT IMPORTANT.

In the end, it is what I have been preaching to you guys since we have been together! STUDY THE WORD OF GOD! KNOW WHAT YOU BELIEVE AND WHY YOU BELIEVE IT! DON'T LET ANY INSTITUTION OR ANY POWER OR ANY PERSON TAKE THAT BELIEF AWAY FROM YOU!

I yearn for church. I want to be a part of a greater fellowship of people that believe the things I do, and put the Word of God and the Lord Jesus Christ in their focus completely. I can't find such a church, and I am sad.

But, God is taking care of me another way. He has given me a fellowship of Believers in this classroom, that has removed some of that sadness. Together we are studying the Word of God deeply, and trying to apply it to our lives as we support each other and make sure we stay focused on the path of our Lord.

What is a church? Today, class, I would like for you to tell me what a church is to you? For those of you that do not have a church, does this fellowship help or hurt that loss? For those of you who do belong to a church and attend weekly, does this fellowship help or hurt that participation? Is there anyway or anything that our classroom fellowship can do to replace some of the things lost because some are unable to have a church? If we were physically able to gather together, how would our fellowship blossom and how would our fellowship change and how would our fellowship be hurt?

Looking forward to your answers.

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 - (Hebrew/Greek) (Offended)

2008-12-14T08:50:00.001-08:00

Jesus Christ is telling us the things in John 15:1-16:16 for a very good reason...

“These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.” (John 16:1 KJV)

He doesn't want his followers to be offended.

What does offended mean?

4624. skandalizw skandalizo skan-dal-id’-zo ("scandalize"); from 4625; to entrap, i.e. trip up (figuratively, stumble [transitively] or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure):— (make to) offend. 4625. skandalon skandalon skan’-dal-on ("scandal"); probably from a derivative of 2578; a trap-stick (bent sapling), i.e. snare (figuratively, cause of displeasure or sin):— occasion to fall (of stumbling), offence, thing that offends, stumblingblock. 2578. kamptw kampto kamp’-to; apparently a primary verb; to bend:— bow.

Here are some important points...

1. To be entrapped, means someone is trying to trap you.

2. When somebody is trying to trap you, they are trying to cause you to back away from what you believe.

3. The definition of the Greek Word gives us a hint of the aspects we should consider when our enemy is trying to trip us up...some of the ways they will do this is to entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure. Of course, we know from the Word of God that there are other trickeries that the enemy uses to cause us to "trip up"

4. What is the Greek Word for "offense" based upon? TO BEND

5. THIS IS IMPORTANT! Our enemies don't need for us to fall to our knees to be victorious in their wicked efforts...they just need us to bend. If we bend, then they can reach us with greater attacks that will one day knock us off our feet. They just need to make us bend.

6. If we are secure in the Word of God and walking the path of Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit, we stand tall and are moving forward. There is no chance of us stopping our forward motion, stepping off the path, and bending over as the enemy causes us to question our beliefs.

7. However, each of us are fully capable of stopping our forward motion and wandering off of that path, and dwelling within the natural life affairs of man too long. When that happens, we are primed to be bent by the enemy.

Today, class, I would like for you to discuss how the enemy "bends" us, and tricks us to stop our forward motion and return to their control. Discuss the three the Greek definition lists... entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure...but add others that can be found in Scripture, or from your own experiences.

Remember, we're not talking about falling from the faith, or turning our back on Christ. We're talking about being bent over by the enemy with trickeries they use against us to cause us to be at a place they can reach us for further attacks!

Can't wait to read your sharings!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Hebrew/Greek) (Beginning)

2008-11-10T08:28:00.000-08:00

Okay, class, you have learned a little bit more about the Holy Spirit than you knew last week.

The Comforter comes to us; He is sent by Jesus Christ, from the Father. The Spirit of Truth proceeds from the Father, and testifies of Jesus. (John 15:26)

But then, Jesus goes on a little further to make his point...

“And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.” (John 15:27 KJV)

This is a pretty controversial statement among some Christians. It can mean many different things...

1. Jesus Christ was only speaking to his twelve disciples and this is not applicable to us.

2. Even though Jesus Christ was speaking to his twelve disciples, it becomes part of a Christian application in the future.

3. The Word of God has revealed Jesus Christ from the beginning of the world, and you have known him through that.

4. You were with Jesus Christ at the beginning, and your souls placed into your body at conception.

Now, let me give you a hint. No one knows for sure on this interpretation. Almost everybody has an opinion. Some are more popular than others.

I don't know either. But I think I know. The Holy Spirit gives me the signs that He uses within me to make my mind have peace with one more than another. But, I wouldn't teach it to you in an absolute way. Why?

Because sometimes the mysteries of God are not uncovered completely. This makes our soul to seek deeper into His things, and as we are seeking answers, new gems of His wonders are discovered!

So today, class, I want you to tell me how you are led to believe the meaning that Jesus is speaking in John 15:27. If you can back it up with other Scripture or spiritual anecdotes, that will be helpful to others in forming their own views. Remember, in this case, there are no perfectly right answers, because we don't know. But, some are more right than others, probably. Or, all of the meanings can be attached. I'm really looking forward to your sharing!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Hebrew/Greek) (Proceedeth)

2008-11-10T08:20:00.000-08:00

“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:” (John 15:26 KJV)

The Spirit of Truth comes from the Father of Jesus Christ. The Spirit of Truth is part of the LORD God's Spirit that is shared with us. (By the way, note that Jesus is a BRANCH also!)

proceedeth - 1607. ekporeuomai ekporeuomai ek-por-yoo’-om-ahee; from 1537 and 4198; to depart, be discharged, proceed, project:— come (forth, out of), depart, go (forth, out), issue, proceed (out of).

Okay, now I know what you are thinking...Doesn't every part of the Holy Spirit proceed from the LORD God?

Nope. Well, to be completely correct, kinda.

“1 ¶ And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: 2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; 3 And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: 4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. 5 And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.” (Isaiah 11:1-5 KJV)

When Jesus Christ came down to the earth, the LORD God gave him some of his Spirits to rest upon him. These Spirits were

1. Spirit of Wisdom
2. Spirit of Understanding
3. Spirit of Counsel
4. Spirit of Might
5. Spirit of Knowledge
6. Spirit of Fear of the LORD

All of these Spirits were placed upon Jesus Christ, and together they are called the Spirit of the LORD. It is exactly the same process that is used to place the Holy Spirit within us. The Holy Spirit, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, the Spirit of the LORD, are all the same thing...Spirits sent to us to help guide us to walk and work according to His Will, while we grow closer and closer to Him.

So, six of those spirit actually come from their resting place on the being of Jesus Christ. To break it down further, some spirits within our Holy Spirit given to us are from the LORD God, and some are from Jesus Christ. While Jesus Christ was given a larger portion of the Spirits, we also receive from them, as they are needed.

Now, many of the LORD God's Spirits are directed and placed by Jesus Christ from Heaven today. Not everybody receives all of the different Spirits, and not all Spirits placed within a person are always used.

Why? Because man's actions sometimes do not conform to the Will of God. The LORD God and Jesus Christ can prepare our bodies with their glorious Holy Spirit, filled with the Spirits that will not only teach us in that high Spiritual Realm, but guide our walk and works, and bring our efforts to glorify Him; yet, if we don't do our part by studying, growing, and communing with Him, the opportunities given to us by the Holy Spirit are wasted.

Today, class, I would like for you to discuss why it is important for us to understand that the Holy Spirit is not just one entity, but a combination of Spirits that come from the LORD God and Jesus Christ, and formed together to accomplish specific tasks inside us. Why do you think this knowledge is important? If you are able to go higher than usual in the Spiritual Realm today, look up a few of God's Spirits, and try to figure out exactly what it is that they are responsible for.

One of our Becker Bible Studies authors and teacher, Kathy McFarland, wrote a brilliant piece on this subject which can be found at The Beginnings of All Things Created. Check it out and see if that stirs your studies into this very interesting topic even more!

The important thing to learn today is the supernatural power that is given to every believer, that merely must be used effectively to bring the greatest of God's Works to fruit upon the branches attached tot he vine of Jesus Christ. In the next few days, we will be discovering even greater things concerning the nature of the LORD God's Holy Spirit.

Can hardly wait!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Hebrew/Greek) (Spirit of Truth)

2008-11-10T08:17:00.001-08:00

Most believers think upon the Holy Spirit as this ghost like entity that is breathed from the breath of the Lord, transferred to their souls, with it own unique personality and being.

They are right, but they are wrong; but, it doesn't matter. It does matter to us, however, if we desire to know the Holy Spirit deeply. That is why we're going to learn the nature and being of the Holy Spirit a little bit more.

“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:” (John 15:26 KJV)

The first point you should notice is that word "[even]" right before the introduction of the Spirit of Truth. That word messes up many, many scholars, because they don't know what to do with it. The original Greek had that idea presented within it, yet, if that word is written, it would suggest that the Holy Spirit is made up of many different Spirits, thus the Trinity Godhead is challenged once again. So they bracket the word "even," and correctly determine that in the bigger scheme of things, it doesn't matter at all.

However, it matters to us deep studiers, so we are going to look at it!

The idea of "even" the Spirit of Truth coming to man as a Comforter, gives clear evidence that the Comforter is made up of many of the Spirits of God, coming together as one Holy Spirit, and infused inside us by our common goals. In our deep study of the Holy Spirit, we will examine many of the different Spirits of the LORD God that are within us. One of them, the subject of today's study, is one of the most important to God and to us...The Spirit of Truth!

The Spirit of Truth is a major player in the Spirits of God! There are many Spirits that within our LORD God, and He has identified many of them in His Word. But the one that expresses His intimate being the most is the Spirit of Truth. It is so important, that when all of the Spirits that are sent to us to dwell with us are named the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit, the Comforter...the Spirit of Truth is also a name that combines them all. It's that important of a Spirit!

Let's look at the responsibilities of the Spirit of Truth within us a little bit more...

“7 ¶ Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. 12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you. 15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you.” (John 16:7-15 KJV)

Jesus gives us a good description of some of the Spirit of Truth's jobs...

THE WORLD

1. He will reprove the world of sin because they do not know Jesus Christ

2. He will reprove the world of righteousness, because Jesus Christ is in Heaven today, and unable to teach the things of holiness

3. He will reprove the world of judgment, because Satan is judged

THE BELIEVERS

1. He will guide us into all truth.

2. He will not teach us things within himself, but will only teach the things he is told to teach us by the LORD God or the Lord Jesus Christ.

3. He will show us things to come.

4. H will glorify Jesus Christ by receiving the believers in Him

5. He will show Jesus Christ to you through himself

Now throughout the New Testament, we learn that the Spirit of Truth has many applications and responsibilities. This Scripture captures the main ones, however, and is the perfect place to start our introduction to the Spirit of Truth.

Today class, I would like for you to discuss the Spirit of Truth, and the main jobs that He completes within the world and within us. Share personal anecdotes or give good examples of your awareness of the movement of the Spirit of Truth, so we can learn from the moving of Him within you!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Hebrew/Greek) (Comforter)

2008-11-10T08:14:00.000-08:00

“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:” (John 15:26 KJV)

Today we reach the place that will be our newest learnings for awhile...it is the Holy Spirit that our next studies will be focused upon. We're going to learn why He is on this Earth, why He dwells within us, how He helps, comforts and a whole bunch of other tasks he is assigned and completes to the greatest glory of the Lord. Hopefully, when we are done with this study, your relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ will be enhanced even more, as you become comfortable in accepting the leadings of the Holy Spirit.

Comforter is the first purpose of the Holy Spirit. You are going to find in our study that He has many jobs, but, the first is as Comforter. What do we need comforting from?

Only one thing...

Our Lord Jesus Christ is not with us.

“Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” (John 16:7 KJV)

The Holy Spirit was sent to us only after Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father. The sending of the Holy Spirit is not only captured in His glory during the accounting of Pentecost in Acts, but it is also prophesied in the beginning of Jesus Christ's ministry.

“Blessed [are] they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4 KJV)

When Jesus spoke those words at his Sermon on the Mount, he was giving a key to his disciples even then, to enable them and us to understand the deep things of the Holy Spirit when He arrived and dwelled within us.

There is only one reason a person would need comfort, and that is because they mourn. But why do the followers of Jesus Christ mourn?

Because He is not with us right now! He is in Heaven, too far away from us to experience his presence. We can't ask him questions or be taught by him physically, face-to-face.

Jesus Christ knew the love of his disciples, even when they were unable to sustain their stance of faith because of fear. Jesus knows the heart of us. He knows that without him being completely in our lives, we are lost, and have no where to turn. Yet, the unfolding events of His Father's plans for this earth prevent him from presently walking amongst us...a problem soon corrected as the New Earth comes and we all dwell together with Him ruling in our presence. Happy first earth-recovery day!

We've actually been spoiled, to be honest, and this concept not as deeply understood for one reason...we've had the Holy Spirit within us! So, because we've had the Holy Spirit since our belief, we don't know what it would be like without Him within us. Take a moment today and contemplate how that would feel and be to yearn after the things of Christ, but have no comfort in that process.

We mourn because Jesus Christ is not with us, and we received the Comforter to relieve our mourning.

What does the Greek word for Comforter exactly express?

3875. paraklhtov parakletos par-ak’-lay-tos; an intercessor, consoler:— advocate, comforter.

We have several different word meanings that make up the entire meaning of Comforter, so lets make sure we know exactly what these words mean to us...

Intercessor - Pleads or speaks on behalf of another. The saying of a prayer on the behalf of another.

Consoler - One who offers solace and encouragement.

Advocate - Defense counsel, champion, supporter. Stands up for and intercedes on your behalf.

Comforter - One summed to the side of another to provide advocacy and comfort.

Today, class, look at these four responsibilities that the Holy Spirit has, and break them down for each other on how these tasks have been reflected in His movement in your own life. Use good examples and times, so each of us can reflect upon the individual movement of the Holy Spirit within us. Remember...this is just four of many, many jobs that we will be examining closely that is done by the Holy Spirit.

Can't wait to read your sharings!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Hebrew/Greek) (Persecute and Hate)

2008-11-10T08:11:00.000-08:00

“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. 21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin. 23 He that hateth me hateth my Father also. 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. 25 But [this cometh to pass], that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.” (John 15:20-25 KJV)

Persecution means

1377. diwkw dioko dee-o’-ko; a prolonged (and causative) form of a primary verb diw dio (to flee; compare the base of 1169 and 1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute:— ensue, follow (after), given to, (suffer) persecute(-ion), press forward.

The Greek word for persecution is dioko. It is similar to the Greek word deilos - which means timid and diakanos which means Christian teacher. The whole purpose of persecution is to ...

MAKE A CHRISTIAN TEACHER TIMID!

That's what persecution means, and that is why they persecuted Jesus Christ and that is why Christian teachers are persecuted today. Make no mistake, any faithful Christian who conforms to the Word of God is also a Christian teacher. Every Christian has been tasked by our Lord to go out and preach and teach His Word.

Persecution comes to all Christian teachers for one purpose...to make them TIMID! What does timid mean? Lacking boldness, courage, and determination. If the enemy can make you wimpy, weak, and lost in your focus, then the message of Jesus Christ is not going to be shared with those who need to hear!

Jesus tells us that he was persecuted, and you can expect to be persecuted also. There is no way the enemy is going to allow you to boldly proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ without trying to scare you away!

Which brings us to hatred...

When a Bible Teacher (that's you too) teaches the world about sin through the Word of God, you make those who hear accountable. The minute you make a sinner accountable, he is going to hate you more deeply than anyone he has ever hated before! Sin is fun to the worldly, until a conscience is attached. Once they know what a sin is, they become very, very dirty.

Here's the kicker...instead of wanting to wash that dirt off, and come toward God...the dirty sinners prefer to hate you and your Christ for spoiling their fun. Its not that you are necessarily a bad person, or that you are doing anything actually against them...your presence, your speech, you bearing, your love of Christ shines a light upon their sin, and that really, really makes them mad!

I know we've got an exercise going on right now in our discussion of "What is a Cult" so I will let this lesson be one of contemplation. If you are moved to share your thoughts concerning this lesson, I would love to hear them!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 17:1-26 (Hebrew/Greek) (Cloke)

2008-10-31T10:15:00.000-07:00

“If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.” (John 15:22 KJV)

Okay, folks, this is one that concerns us in almost every post we post. PRETEND CHRISTIANS bring more heart ache to us than probably any other group. Why? Wicked are easily seen, and we stay away from them and they stay away from us. It is the pretenders that are able to get in close to us, and then pull the rug out from under us when we are least suspecting.

Pretend believers were our Lord's most frustrating part of his ministry, also. Wherever he went, the Pharisees and Sadducee would argue amongst themselves the things of God that were misapplied and misinterpreted. The Son of God walked amongst them, yet they were pretending so much, that they failed to recognize the Word of God in their presence!

Now the verse above says because Jesus came, people can no longer cover their sin by not knowing. They can't pretend any longer; sin was revealed the moment Jesus came to this earth, and every human being from that moment on could no longer doubt their sins. When he brought true righteousness to this earth, the dirtiness of sin was revealed.

Let's look at the word "cloke" for just a little bit by examining the Strong's Greek number 4392...

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.” (Matthew 23:14 KJV)

PRETENSE is attached to the Pharisees and scribes in their hypocritical belief system, that talks God while their actions are of the devil. They pray a great prayer for all to see, but the fruits of works from God are not present!

“38 And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and [love] salutations in the marketplaces, 39 And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts: 40 Which devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.” (Mark 12:38-40 KJV)

There it is again...PRETENSE! The scribes have the designer clothing to make them look superior and holy. They are recognized where ever they go, and people shout hellos to them! They get to sit in the seats of honor at the great feasts, and they make alot of money off of the misfortunes of others. To prove their holiness, they say alot of long prayers in front of people. PRETENSE!

Now I know these verses are hitting home with you guys, because we have had alot of tears and stresses over these type of people who pretend to be of Christ, say all of the right words, but produce no fruit.

Paul had to struggle with pretenders too! He said something very important for us to consider, and so that is going to be our consideration for today...

“12 ¶ But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things [which happened] unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; 13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other [places]; 14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: 17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. 18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. 19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 According to my earnest expectation and [my] hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether [it be] by life, or by death.” (Philippians 1:12-20 KJV)

True followers with Jesus Christ have no problems recognizing the pretenders eventually; as time goes by their lack of fruits is noticeable! Why? Because Jesus reveals the pretenders to our souls, sometimes later than sooner, but they are always made known to us. He takes the cloke off of them and we can see them for what they really are!

BUT WHAT DO WE DO WITH THE PRETEND CHRISTIANS THAT ARE MADE KNOWN TO US? WHAT DO WE DO IF THEY ARE PREACHING THE WORD OF GOD THROUGH PRETENSION?

Today, class, look at Philippians 1:12-20, and figure out what Paul had to say on the matter. Put it into words and ideas that we can understand more deeply and apply it to our present-day lives.

Looking forward to your sharings!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 17:1-26 (Hebrew/Greek) (Ordain)

2008-10-30T08:19:00.000-07:00

“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.” (John 15:16 KJV)

Once Jesus has chosen us for a works to work upon, he ordains us for that work.

Ordain means....

5087. tiyhmi tithemi tith’-ay-mee; a prolonged form of a primary yew theo theh’-o (which is used only as alternate in certain tenses); to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from 2476, which properly denotes an upright and active position, while 2749 is properly reflexive and utterly prostrate):— + advise, appoint, bow, commit, conceive, give, X kneel down, lay (aside, down, up), make, ordain, purpose, put, set (forth), settle, sink down.

Isn't that definition surprising! Ordain means

TO PLACE IN A PASSIVE OR HORIZONTAL POSITION

WHAT!?! Okay, let me get this straight...Jesus moves us to do a work, and then he places us not in an active and upright position, but in a passive, horizontal one!

Why?

He give us a couple of reasons...

1. So you can bring forth fruit
2. So the fruit that your works bring remains upon your branches, and doesn't rot, wither or fall away

Today, class, please tell me why you will be more fruitful, and your fruit more lasting, by laying in an horizontal position of passiveness. While you are at it, talk to me about ordination in the Christian church? Who is ordained, and what position does ordination assume? How has ordination been messed up throughout the Church? Who can be ordained? Is ordination limited to men, or can women be ordained also? Who ordains...God or Christ?

Let's wrestle around with this important word "ordain" for a little while today. Looking forward to your sharings.

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Hebrew/Greek) (Chosen)

2008-10-30T08:06:00.000-07:00

“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.” (John 15:16 KJV)

I think you all probably get it by now, but I wanted to drive home this message today, so their can be no wavering doubts. YOU DON'T CHOOSE THE WORKS YOU DO THROUGH CHRIST! CHRIST CHOOSES YOU FOR SPECIFIC TASKS!

Many Bible scholars and teachers connect the followers of Jesus Christ to this verse. In other words, they say that Jesus chooses each of his disciples. They are wrong, and we know it from our last study...remember... in John 17 where Jesus is thanking God for all the followers and disciples that God had given him. So if we are chosen by God, given to Jesus Christ, what in the Word is Christ talking about him choosing us?

We must interpret within context, always. What is the context we're talking about? WORKS! FRUIT! BRANCHES! VINES! Just as a very quick side lesson...do you see why people get in trouble when they just pick out verses? If interpretations are not done in context, then the Truth of God cannot be known deeply!

Okay...back on track...So Jesus tells us that he chooses us for specific jobs, rather than us choosing those jobs. So when your branch is moved to a location where fruits can grow, guess who is moving that branch? The vine, of course! Jesus is moving your branch...probably sometimes he chooses the branch that is closest to the place of work needed...maybe sometimes he chooses a stronger branch to push the weaker branches away, so the stronger can complete a difficult work...maybe sometimes a branch is moved to do a work that seems like it is of little matter, yet it might well clear the way for another branch to push forward and do a work.

The best way we can deeply understand this concept is going the "Petal Ponderings" way that Lou take us with the Spirit moving. When we understand the movement and substance and nature of the vine and his branches in the setting of both spirit and nature, then we can get this deeply.

This is a simple concept that needed to be enforced, but probably not learned. I think you all know this concept well, so I won't have an assignment attached to it. I would like for you to share any comments you are moved to share, however, on this important topic.

See you in the next class!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Hebrew/Greek) (Lay Down)

2008-10-30T08:04:00.000-07:00

“12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:12-13 KJV)

It's not what you think! But it could be! But it doesn't mean that exactly!

Lay Down means - 5087. tithemi tith’-ay-mee; a prolonged form of a primary yew theo theh’-o (which is used only as alternate in certain tenses); to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from 2476, which properly denotes an upright and active position, while 2749 is properly reflexive and utterly prostrate):— + advise, appoint, bow, commit, conceive, give, X kneel down, lay (aside, down, up), make, ordain, purpose, put, set (forth), settle, sink down.

TO PLACE IN A PASSIVE OR HORIZONTAL POSTURE

That is the exact interpretation of "lay down" as it is used in John 15:13. When we connect it to Jesus Christ, and we connect it to his love for us, we understand "lay down" to be death. No greater love has a man, than one willing to die for his friends! Certainly, that makes sense, and was carried out by Jesus Christ for us, and He was the greater example of love.

However, I'm going to suggest something else to you, and I would like for you to consider it in your discussions today. What if there was more to this "lay down" word that just "death"? What is a "passive or horizontal posture" that we can assume in our fellowshipping relationship, that would exhibit love to each other? Have we assumed that posture with someone or all in our fellowship together in these last months? Why did we assume that posture? What results did that posture bring? For the receivers of that posture, did you feel love?

Jesus Christ wants us standing upon our feet and walking forward. But here, He tells us that sometimes that walk must pause for a moment; that when we are accomplishing one of his commandments, that there will be no walking at all. One of his commandments is very specific...

That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

Here's some more questions...

Did Jesus Christ lay down his life for us in more ways than just his crucifixion? How?

Okay class, we're going to try to answer some of these questions today. Take one of them, and start discussing, and let's see where we end up!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Hebrew/Greek) (Servant)

2008-10-28T09:10:00.000-07:00

“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.” (John 15:15 KJV)

Whelp...I already know...when I put this one on the public classroom website, I'm going to get angry letters. I can already tell.

Okay, class, let's tackle this head-on. Jesus Christ is our Lord and we are his servants. We will always be his servants, no matter how he regards us, because that is what we choose to be. So don't be thinking I am removing your servitude from your Lord. You love Jesus Christ, and you choose to be his servant, because you want him to be your Lord.

A friend to Jesus means this...

5384. filov philos fee’-los; properly, dear, i.e. a friend; actively, fond, i.e. friendly (still as a noun, an associate, neighbor, etc.):— friend.

Philos means "brotherly love."

But, Jesus, told us something in this verse that should cause us great delight. There is a way for him to consider us more than just servants; there is something that happens that can make us his friend. What is that happening?

Jesus makes us friends when he is able to reveal the things of God to us. If he is able to share all the things His Father taught him while he was a human being, If he is able to share the deeper mysteries of God to us, then that means we will be called friend by him.

People who go to church every Sunday might not get to be called friend of Jesus Christ!
People who do great works in overseas missions might not get to be called friend of Jesus Christ!
Even the Mother Teresa's of the world, who do the greatest of missionary works might not get to become friend of Jesus Christ!
And those who study the Word of God might not necessarily get to be called friend of Jesus Christ!

Yet, all of these categories can be a friend of Jesus Christ. It just depends on if they have allowed themselves to receive the teachings of Jesus Christ!

Today, class, I want you to tell me how someone takes the step from being called servant to friend by Jesus Christ. You know, each of you are becoming a friend to Jesus Christ, right? He's telling you deep things from His Father, that others don't get. That makes you a friend!

Now, its a no-brainer to realize that we have to study the Word of God before we can ever hope to receive the deeper teachings of Christ. But what other adjustments to our souls, thoughts, behavior, and emotions must be made to receive these teachings? What did you have to do yourself, in order to be fed the deeper things of God? It takes more than God wanting you to know, and you being hungry for that information. What adjustments does a human being make to receive the deeper things of God?

Looking really, really forward to your answers!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Hebrew/Greek) (Lay Down)

2008-10-27T08:47:00.001-07:00

John 15:1-16:16 (Hebrew/Greek) (Joy)

2008-10-26T14:52:00.000-07:00

“These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and [that] your joy might be full.” (John 15:11 KJV)

Joy is a tougher concept than what you first would think. Joy is an important word to everyone in this classroom that is going through tough times. Let's look at the word, a little bit closer...

5479. cara chara khar-ah’; from 5463; cheerfulness, i.e. calm delight:— gladness, X greatly, (X be exceeding) joy(-ful, -fully, -fulness, -ous).

The definition tells us a little bit. CALM DELIGHT is probably closer in English than any other words to express what this Greek word expresses. Let's analyze it just a little bit deeper...

What do the worldly people think the word means? Probably great happiness, high spirits, great pleasure, bliss, delight; source of happiness or pleasure, ecstasy, rapture. At least, that's the definitions in our English Dictionaries. To the worldly, joy comes from that fast roller coaster ride, or that rainbow in the sky with the pot of gold at the end of it, or a winning lotto ticket, or reaching sexual heights. Joy is that aphrodisiac, that high, that magic pill that the world seeks. It defines great happiness and great release from sadness.

But what does joy mean to Christ. What was he trying to tell us? What is His Joy like? What does it feel like to us when we feel His Joy inside us?

Let me cut to the chase, here. The best way to understand the joy of Jesus Christ, is to consider the pains and burdens upon him as he walked and died on this earth. He gave up the nature of God, assumed the nature of man, and experienced the hardships of life and extreme ridicule, rejection, hatred and death. Yet, he promises that His Joy will be our joy, and as followers, our soul knows what he is talking about, even if our words can't define it perfectly.

I think that you can deeply define the joy Christ is talking about by considering when it is experienced the deepest within his followers. Thus, to define joy, you must look at your lives in the tragic and troubled times when despair is at its greatest. It is at that place that the joy of Jesus Christ can be found, and is expressed in its most pure and highest levels of experience.

Today, class, help me define the word "Joy" that comes from Jesus Christ, and is within us. Help me put to words what that word deeply means, and how it differs from the "joy" that the world expects to receive. Share with us how this Joy of Christ has helped you in difficult times. What does it feel like on the insides of you? What does it look like on the outsides of you? How does this joy help your walk with Christ?

Looking forward to your answers!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 17:1-26 (Hebrew/Greek) (Commandments)

2008-10-24T08:38:00.000-07:00

“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.” (John 15:10 KJV)

What are commandments? Are we just speaking about 12 of them given to Moses by the Lord God atop His Mountain?

1785. entolh entole en-tol-ay’; from 1781; injunction, i.e. an authoritative prescription:— commandment, precept. 1781. entellomai entellomai en-tel’-lom-ahee; from 1722 and the base of 5056; to enjoin:— (give) charge, (give) command(-ments), injoin.

AUTHORITATIVE PRESCRIPTION - That is the perfect description for us to get our understanding firmed up upon!

AUTHORITATIVE = Spoken from the highest authority of God to the followers of Jesus Christ, to be obeyed and lived.

PRESCRIPTION = Law; Decree, decretum, deict, institute, ordinance, precept, prescript, regulation, rule are all synonyms of this.

Now here is the really interesting and deep part...

Our Lord Jesus Christ gives suggestion within this Scripture that the Commandments of His Father and the Commandments of His varies; that they are not exactly the same.

For instance, if the commandments were the same, then Jesus would have enjoined us to follow His Father's commandments also; yet, he speaks of us following his commandments, as He follows the Father's.

Okay, class, lets figure out what these commandments are that Jesus is talking about! What commandments has Jesus Christ given to his followers specifically, that he expects us to adhere to completely, if we are to abide in his love?

Since the four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John contain the spoken Words of Jesus Christ while He walked upon the earth, let's consider just these books in answering the question. What unique commandments does Jesus Christ give his followers as their Lord?

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Hebrew/Greek) (Disciple)

2008-10-23T09:11:00.000-07:00

“Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” (John 15:8 KJV)

Don't read through this passage too quickly! There is a critical point that is made by our Lord.

1. When you bear many fruits, the Father is glorified.
2. When you bear many fruits, you will be made Jesus Christ's disciples.

WHAT! Is Jesus saying that our branches, joined to his vine, is just the first step toward fruits, and does not make us disciples! YEP! That's what he is saying! First you must bear fruits, then you become disciples of Jesus Christ!

HOLD ON! Many of us always thought that you become a good Christian by first becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ, and then being led to do works for Him! Does anyone else think that this order is a little different than what we first thought?

Okay, lets look at the meaning of disciple...

3101. mayhthv mathetes math-ay-tes’; from 3129; a learner, i.e. pupil:— disciple. 3129. manyanw manthano man-than’-o; prolongation from a primary verb, another form of which, mayew matheo, is used as an alternate in certain tenses; to learn (in any way):— learn, understand.

Disciple means learner. Here's the deal, class...

It takes no understanding, no advanced knowledge to do the works of God. You simply move your branches where God places you, and Jesus starts doing the works He wills. You are merely a conduit, and works can actually be done without any knowledge with what is going on. I can't impress this on you enough! When works of God are done through you, Jesus is doing the working. You are merely a tool in His Hands.

But...Jesus rewards you greatly! He makes you one of His Disciples when you allow Him to work through you!

YOU GET TO LEARN THINGS!

That's what this class is! Jesus is teaching us things! We wouldn't be learning these things if we weren't doing works for him. That is a pre-requisite by our Lord. Do his things, and he will teach us. Don't do his things, your branch will be broken and tossed aside, and he won't teach you anymore. HOW SIMPLE IS THAT!

I think back to the Greek days, when pupils gathered around their esteemed teachers and hung on every word. And those teachers were nothing compared to our Christ! We should hang even tighter on every teaching Jesus gives us...it is our reward, our payment by Him for giving up of ourselves to be used as He needs.

What a deal! While surely Jesus does many works through each of us, being made disciples as a result seems like double payment! WHAT A REWARD!

Now here's the sad deal...

In a fast growing evangelical church (it ranks at the top one percent in size and baptisms) here is the statistics for every 1000 people...

650 are enrolled in Bible Study (Denominations average is 55 percent)

300 persons will attend Bible Study (Denominations average is 25 percent)

60 people actually study their lessons

30 of those sixty studying are the teachers of the classes

So out of a big evangelical church, only 30 people out of 1000 are learning new things of God; now, what are these 30 people learning? Most of them are learning Christian ethics, church polity, Christian history and self-help and improvement.

Are you getting my point? NOBODY IS STUDYING THE BIBLE! Yet, the reward for doing Christ's works, is receiving instruction in the Word of God by the Word of God! Boy, howdy, things have really gotten messed up!

So, today, I guess I'm kind of preaching. I can't figure out an exercise to do with this one. Either you study the Word of God and are a disciple of Jesus Christ, or you are not. Doing works of his does not mean that you are a disciple...you only become a disciple of Jesus Christ when you are taught by him, and you can only be taught if you are studying His Word. It is all connected.

Feel free to comment and share your thoughts!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Hebrew/Greek) (Ask)

2008-10-23T09:10:00.000-07:00

“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” (John 15:7 KJV)

Unfortunately, some of the most dramatic requests I have made to Jesus Christ concerning works, I cannot share. They were so powerful, so timely, and so dramatic...the answer came immediately, and changed the atmosphere dramatically and supernaturally, and works of His were accomplished immediately. Regrettably, these supernatural instances must be kept to myself to prevent evil from inserting their dirtiness into the situations that were changed. One day, on the New Earth, I can't wait to share them with you. Until then, we must speak of the more common, but always powerful interventions, that God does with His People through Jesus Christ and His Works.

I think I've shared this once, but it bears repeating. A man asked me once what I would do if He donated a million dollars to my ministry. I told him that would do the same thing I was doing right then. When a person does the works of the Lord, then anything that is needed is provided. When you are doing a work of the Lord, and something gets in the way, or you need money or supplies, or you need bureaucrats to step aside, or you need time to stand still for a moment, you just need to ask, and it will be done. Every time.

You are the most powerful person in the world, when you are doing works of the Lord. You have Jesus Christ ready and willing to provide you with every tool necessary to complete the work that he has moved you to complete. But remember...if you are abiding in him, and His Word is abiding in you...you are very aware exactly what is needed, and will not ask for anything but the essentials.

Normally, Jesus provides everything you need to accomplish his works, without asking. But, situations change; people drop the ball, reject the movement of the Spirit, and bring wickedness to bear. Sometimes Christian workers need extra attention from Christ to get the work done. Just ask him, and it will be provided.

Of course, you all know, Lotto tickets and riches are not what we are talking about. We're talking about only the things necessary to get the job done.

Today, share with each other a works that you did for Him, where you needed to ask Jesus for something more, to get the job done. If you are not able to think of one, that is fine. If you are like me, you try to do the works with exactly what is provided. He provides for my needs so well, that it is rare that I need to ask for anything.

Jerry Falwell asked alot. He was a pray-er. Every time the Lord moved him to do something, he would get down on his knees and ask for more resources, more money, more time, more people, more everything. He would say...okay Lord, but if you give me a little more, I can do this. That is how Liberty College came into being, and it is now equipping thousands of Christians with a solid foundation in the things of Christ; every work that is accomplished as a result of his effort, sends him a little reward today!

So, maybe his example is the perfect example of a good attitude toward doing the works of Christ. What do you think?

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Hebrew/Greek) (Word)

2008-10-23T09:09:00.001-07:00

Just when we think we are getting it, Jesus goes deeper in explanation! We understand from his beginning teachings that we must abide in him, and he must abide in us, if works are to be completed.

It's pretty easy figuring out how to abide in Jesus Christ. We do depend upon Him for everything, and we walk the walk with Him.

But how does He abide in us? We know how the Holy Spirit abides in us! He is infused into us, and actually dwells inside us. The Holy Spirit is our connection to Jesus Christ who sits in Heaven today. When Jesus wants us to do something, the Holy Spirit moves accordingly. But, just because we have the Holy Spirit within us, does not mean we are abiding in Christ completely!

How do you abide in Christ? He instructs us perfectly in this manner...

“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” (John 15:7 KJV)

Jesus Christ abides in us through his WORD! There we go again...focused completely upon the Word of God! Every we start studying deeply, what do we focus upon? The Word of God! Every time we get a new understanding of the things of God, it begins with His Word.

This is so important...we can be moved all day with the Holy Spirit, without knowing anything! We can have a life of seclusion and prayer, and never get one work done.

But...if we are going to do works of Jesus Christ...if his vine is going to branch through us and produce fruit...there is only one way that happens! We must have the Word of God, Jesus Christ himself, within us!

To my knowledge, there is only one way of getting that Word of God inside us, and that is to hear it, understand it and apply it to our knowledge. That means if you are not studying, studying, studying the Word of God, and deeply learning His sayings, then you are not going to be accomplishing any works that glorify Him!

The Holy Spirit uses the Word of Jesus Christ as the foundation of all the fruits that are produced.

Today, class, I would like you to compare your spiritual works that are producing fruit today as a result of your study of the Word of God with the time when you weren't opening your Bibles to learn. Get specific. How has studying your Bible helped a Catholic officer in Iraq, or a country bound mother and wife, or a very busy student trying to fit everything in a schedule, etc.? How has the crop, amount and characteristics of fruit changed as a result? Do you notice a difference in your works for the Lord because of your study and learning deeply of His Word? What advice would you give a new Christian concerning works, and how to approach accomplishing the will of God in their daily lives?

Looking forward to your sharings.

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Hebrew/Greek) (Withered)

2008-10-23T09:07:00.000-07:00

“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.” (John 15:6 KJV)

Its actually a pretty easy concept. Branches that do not abide in Jesus Christ dry up!

3583. xeraino xay-rah’-ee-no; from 3584; to desiccate; by implication to shrivel, to mature:— dry up, pine away, be ripe, wither (away). 3584. xhrov xeros xay-ros’; from the base of 3582 (through the idea of scorching); arid; by implication shrunken, earth (as opposed to water):— dry land, withered.

Branches without the living water of Jesus Christ, shrink and wither, and are cast off. Here's the interesting part...Men use these cast offs to make fires by burning the dead branches. It is not God that burns them, but rather man that burns them, for their convenience or their warmth or their needs that are satisfied by a fire.

Once a branch is cast off, it has no purpose to the spiritual world. It is withered and dead. The only purpose a branch can serve after it has been cast off from the tree is to satisfy the needs of men. But this ability to satisfy even men's needs lasts only as long as the last ember is burning. Soon, the branch is nothing, forevermore.

Now, does a severed branch lose its salvation? Not immediately. Remember, a severed branch is removed from doing the WORKS of the Lord. But let's examine how critical that is in the nature of spiritual works.

What does it mean to you to do the works of God? Probably for most of you, it is second nature at this point. Each of you have been followers of Jesus Christ for a while, and most of you are quite comfortable at this point being moved by His Spirit. (Even if you didn't know exactly how all of that worked!) But, imagine for a moment what your personal lives would reflect if you did not participate in works for the LORD God.

Today, class, I want you to take a inquisitive look at your life, and evaluate some of those works that you do for the LORD God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Remember, when you are walking well with Christ, almost every act you do will connect with a greater work of His. Don't overlook the simple works; they are just as important as the bigger works! Think upon your life, and how God interacts through you with others. (For purposes of focus, let's discuss all of the works that we have been led to do since the beginning of our study of John 15:1-16:16)

Now, don't be shy or think you will sound like a braggart! I'm asking for you to analyze, and I want you to analyze deeply! Besides, every branch that does His Works is reflecting the vine, so as you list these works, you are proclaiming to all that will hear that Jesus Christ is fruitful, fruitful, fruitful!

Looking forward to your sharings.

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Hebrew/Greek) (Abide)

2008-10-23T09:05:00.000-07:00

“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.” (John 15:4 KJV)

I think we have already discussed this general point...We do not bear fruit ourselves, but rather, the fruit comes from the vine of Jesus Christ. Any works that we do are to His credit. The purpose of our branches is not to bear the fruit specifically, but rather to move the vine to new places of His choosing, so the fruit can grow.

We get that. But do we get that deeply. To understand that relationship, we must examine the word that connects that concept of deep relationship between branch and vine. Notice how the word "Abide" is the focus of this relationship.

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. 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. 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. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” (John 15:4-7 KJV)

ABIDE! That is the secret Word of the day! If we can figure out what ABIDE means in the deepest sense, then we can know how to support the production of the greatest of fruits through Christ's vine.

What does ABIDE mean?

3306. menw meno men’-o; a primary verb; to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy):— abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry (for), X thine own.

STAND!

ENDURE!

CONTINUE!

Jesus does not want us to prostrate ourselves and wait for the works to be done. HE WANTS US TO STAND!

Jesus expects us to endure longer than the enemy, to push forward when our path seems blocked. To overcome, when odds seem against us. HE WANTS US TO ENDURE!

Jesus knows the pains of this life, more than we will ever know. He knows that we are going to have terrible tribulations and persecutions come to us, and he tried to prepare us to meet those challenges. He knows the gut-wrenching pain we feel, and the terrible dilemmas that life creates, as the world leads their own astray. In spite of that painful existence, JESUS WANTS US TO CONTINUE!

IF WE ARE TO ACCOMPLISH WORKS THAT GLORIFY GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST, WE MUST ENDURE!

Notice, how it doesn't say "study the Word of God." We do that to keep our branches clean. Notice, how it doesn't say "have faith." We do that to receive salvation.

The secret word of the day, is Abide! That is how the greatest works of the LORD God are done! Not through education, money, power, church, or state! The Works of the Lord, the greatest fruits produced from the vine, come through branches that ENDURE!

Today, class, let's talk about ENDURANCE. How do you endure? What are some techniques that you have to help you outlast your enemies, to outlast the forces that want you to fail? How can we help each other endure? Do you have any examples where you have endured longer than an enemy which resulted in fruits for the Lord growing?

Once again our fellowship is embroiled in events that we are learning from our Bible. God's Timing is no coincidence. These things He wants us to know deeply, to form our spiritual nature strongly, and to be able to carry on when all others would fail. Abide is the word, and you hold the keys to share your experiences and perspectives with us. Together, we can become more enduring as a result! Looking forward to your sharings!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 17:1-26 (Hebrew/Greek) (Clean)

2008-10-23T08:38:00.000-07:00

Today we're going to study the word "clean" deeply. The first important thing to note, is that it is not the blood of Jesus Christ that brings salvation that we are talking about...

“Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” (John 15:3 KJV)

Jesus Christ speaks the Word of God, and we are made clean. We're not talking about baptism...we're not talking about salvation...we're not talking about future redemption...

We're talking about being made clean immediately, today, presently, through the Word of God!

So if it is not our past sins that is being addressed in this passage, what can it be?

Hint: We're talking about the Vine of Jesus Christ, and our branches, leading to the growth of fruit. Fruit is the Works of God.

Remember how we learned yesterday that the branches on the vine that produce no fruit have sin and dirtiness upon them; it is those branches that are removed completely. But, the branches that produce fruit are kept clean and free from the dirt of sin and the world, so the fruit can prosper.

Today, we learn how that is done! Through the Word of God, our branches are kept clean. Works of the LORD God are so important to Him to be accomplished, that He has a surefire way of making sure that those willing to accomplish them "Get er done." He know that we live in this awful world that is not our own, and He knows that just living it dirties us. So many things are beyond our control, as we have often witnessed in our fellowship together.

Our Father doesn't promise us to stay lilly white and pure in this life. The more responsibility, the more growth toward Him, the more you lead rather than follow, then the more you are going to get dirty. Pretend Christians stay clean always (not really, but they look and smell like it). True Christians get dirty sometimes, even when they try not to.

When true Christians get dirty, it prevents their fruits directed by Him from growing. There is only one way to blow that dirt off of our branches, and that is through hearing the Word of God. Listening to the words that Christ taught us and studying His deep things over and over, squeezing as much as we can out of the Words and Spirit that are given to us. Every time we hear the Word of God that our Christ brought to us, the dirt is shaken from our branches, and new fruits produced.

Today, class, I would like for you to help me teach us. Explain to all of us the difference between the dirtiness of sin, compared to the dirtiness that covers our branches as we attempt to accomplish the Works of Christ. How can that be put into terms that we can understand easily?

Looking forward to your connections!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 17:1-26 (Hebrew/Greek) (Taketh Away)

2008-10-23T08:36:00.000-07:00

As has always been the way of the Lord with His deep teachings to us, situations that are rolling around us often bring the deeper things to mind.

“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.” (John 15:2 KJV)

142. airw airo ah’-ee-ro; a primary root; to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e. weigh anchor); by Hebraism [compare 05375] to expiate sin:— away with, bear (up), carry, lift up, loose, make to doubt, put away, remove, take (away, up).

We must always remember that the LORD God is the Farmer. He knows which branches are not producing His Fruits. He knows which branches are sinning, and unable to sustain. Those branches he causes to doubt, and he removes them from the vine.

If recent events in our own fellowship have not driven this message home, then you are not listening with open ears!

We are so blessed to be brought together; we are exceptionally blessed to receive such wonderful and deep teachings by the LORD God! Everyone is committed to doing every work that He moves us to do, and we understand the great obligations of supporting our branches with study and praise.

Today, lets talk about how to continue to produce fruit, even when our trees and the vine are being pummeled with adversity. What steps can we take to shield our branches from the focused strength of the storms, and protect our fruit so it doesn't get marred, bruised, or torn from our branches?

Looking forward to your answers...by the way...the deeper you get into the Word, the lesser the pain! Trust me.

David "Bucker" Becker

John 17:1-26 (Hebrew/Greek) (He Purgeth)

2008-10-23T08:30:00.000-07:00

“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.” (John 15:2 KJV)

First, let us recall yesterday's lesson. If a branch upon the vine of Jesus Christ does not produce fruit, He removes it. Vamoose, it's outta there, hasta la vista baby! The branch is gone forever. The LORD God give the branch opportunity; He waters and feeds it, and gives it a strong foundation to rest upon. However, there is only one purpose that a branch has, and that is to FRUIT! If there is no fruit, there is no need for the branch! (Word of caution - please remember...when we are talking about branches, we're talking about WORKS off of the Vine of Jesus Christ; this is separate from the issue of Salvation and Redemption. Don't ever connect "Branches on the Vine of Jesus Christ" to salvation; our branches represent only our works done through Jesus through the Will of the LORD God!)

2508. kayairw kathairo kath-ah’-ee-ro; from 2513; to cleanse, i.e. (specially) to prune; figuratively, to expiate:— purge. 2513. kayarov katharos kath-ar-os’; of uncertain affinity; clean (literally or figuratively):— clean, clear, pure.

Remember yesterday how the Greek Word for "taketh away" was connected also with sin which led to God bringing doubt to the sinning branch, and removal when it failed to produce?

Now, we're examining what happens to a fruitful branch. Notice the Greek Word interpretation of "Purgeth." Purgeth means to make clean and pure; to cleanse.

A dirty unproductive branch is taken away and removed forever. A fruitful branch is made clean continuously, so the works of the LORD God can bring forth even more work!

Works are tough. Initially, works done to the Will of the LORD God are fun and new and refreshing. You feel the great stirring as He moves you to a new place on the Vine of Jesus Christ, and the implementation of the new works seems refreshing and clean. However, as the works continue on in th daily routine, things get stagnant and dirty; they lose the luster of newness.

Our new classroom felt that way. Remember your amazement when we first came to this new classroom, and we realized that the LORD God had given us something more permanent, more meaningful, than we first had imagined with our public study. Then as our study progressed, each of us at different times grew a little tired of having to participate daily. But then, God would move through it, and excite us all once again, as he purged the common away from us, and caused the supernatural deepness to be expressed through Him. Then we would get excited once again.

Boy, howdy, this classroom has produced the works! One merely has to reflect on each of our studies and the lessons learned with the lessons applied to realize that His teachings are going out there and being made fruitful in the lives of all of our members. Yet, even in our love and commitment for accomplishing God's Works, we sometimes find ourselves in despair, in the midst of sin, and the dirtiness of the world. If we were to continue there, our own works would soon cease, and our fruit would not produce anymore.

God knows this. When He sees a branch producing many fruit, He constantly prunes it, and removes the irritating or deadly sins that creep close to the branches. He makes those branches clean, continuously, so the fruit can be great! Our job, as faithful Christians, is to recognize this purging as a necessity, and not to focus so much on the job the Farmer does to help us grow, but rather our end goal of producing as much and great of Fruit as we can to bring glory to Him.

Class, we have been purged many times together, and our works have taken new direction and new life. I would like for you to reflect on these purgings that have happened in our classroom fellowship, and share them with each other. Focus on the positive move forward, the new production of fruit that happened as a result of these purgings. (For the emotional sake of all, let's avoid discussing this most recent events, and instead recall those before this latest taking away and purging by God).

Looking forward to your sharings.

David "Bucker" Becker

John 17:1-26 (Hebrew/Greek) (Husbandman)

2008-10-23T08:27:00.000-07:00

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.” (John 15:1 KJV)

What is a husbandman?

1092.georgos gheh-ore-gos’; from 1093 and the base of 2041; a land-worker, i.e. farmer:— husbandman.

A husbandman is the farmer. The LORD God is the Farmer to the vine. He tends the land and provides the conditions for the vine to grow exceedingly great, and produce the greatest fruits. The LORD God plows the fields to allow easier movement to the trees as they are moved to the places He has works that need accomplished. The Farmer directs the trees to walk, and the vines to branch, to produce the perfect fruits of Him!

This is going to be a fun exercise. Today, lets free associate a little bit. How does the LORD God farm and care for the life he grows? Remember, we're not talking about personal relationship or salvation here. We are talking about Works! How does God prepare the ground, feed us, move us, water us, and guide us to the places He wills us to branch off to?

How do we know when the Farmer wants us to branch off in a certain direction? What care does He provide to ensure that we branch off to the most solid of foundations possible? How does it all work? Does the Farmer prepare the ground before we move our trees to the location? Does the Farmer prepare the recipient of the works, as our vines begin branching in his direction?

What other "farmer" associations are there that reveal the way our spiritual works through Jesus Christ are expressed and grown? Here's a hint...think of some "farming" words like watering, pruning, weeding, etc, and look them up in your Bible to see if there is some connection to the LORD God as a farmer!

Have fun with this one! And while you are sharing these connections, if a personal anecdote comes to mind, share it so we can understand that much more!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Hebrew/Greek) (True Vine)

2008-10-23T08:20:00.000-07:00

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.” (John 15:1 KJV)

Jesus Christ is the TRUE VINE. Just by making that statement, Jesus teaches us that all other vines are false. There can only be one Truth, and that is the Truth of God. Therefore, any other vine that grow upon a foundation other than Jesus Christ, any other vine that produces fruits that do not derive from Jesus Christ, any other vine that supports or accomplishes spiritual works that are not based upon Jesus Christ ARE FALSE!

Today, let's locate different vines that are not expressing their origins in Jesus Christ. Look throughout your Bibles, Strong's or a good search program would be helpful, and locate all of the places where different vines are discussed. Figure out what type of vine it is, what its purpose is, where it came from etc. and post it for the rest of us to know!

Important Note: Throughout the Bible, the the shadow of Jesus Christ is expressed through the use of the word "Vine." As you are looking for false vines, remember to look first and confirm that it is not speaking about Jesus Christ coming in human form in the future as the True Vine. Err on the side of caution. If you are not sure, don't list it as fact, but rather present it to us as a question.

David "Bucker" Becker

John 17:1-26 (Hebrew/Greek) (I Am)

2008-10-23T08:18:00.000-07:00

“And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.” (Exodus 3:14 KJV)

One of the names of the LORD God is I AM. When we address Him with this name, we should do it with as much reverence as we do when we address Him as JEHOVAH, or for that matter, every time we address Him by any name! Did you know that the Orthodox practicing Jews hold this commitment to reverence so highly that even when they write the word God, they write it as G-d, because it is too holy to them to put His Name to paper.

I AM is a big deal name for the LORD God. It defines who He is exactly to us. He is everything; all things to all of His creation and uniquely able to use the name I AM to show his existence before creation and for all times. He is the great I AM!

Jesus knew the holiness of the use of the word I AM. He was a practicing Jew, and he attended Synagogues, and taught them according to Jewish Traditions and Law. Jesus knew that to use the word I AM, was to connect himself to the LORD God in a very Holy manner; to even utter those words in context to the traditions of the Jews would not only be considered very presumptuous, but blasphemy itself! The Jews, in fact, accused Jesus often of blasphemy as he made these detailed and deep connections between himself and the LORD God.

Many Bible Scholars try to connect the "I am" statements to the great "I AM" name spoken in Exodus 3:14 as the same thing. They are not exactly. In Exodus, one of the True Names of the LORD GOD is I AM. In John, when Jesus uses the words "I am," they are written in the small caps. They do not designate the Name of the LORD God, but rather the connection to the LORD God.

Jesus Christ had eight "I Am" Sayings recorded in the Book of John. Each time he spoke "I am" he did it purposely, to connect himself to the LORD God, and to make a very critical point to Believers.

Today, class, lets look for the eight "I Am" sayings, and discuss the significance when they are all viewed together as a group. Why did Jesus Christ choose these topics to declare "I am" and connect himself to the LORD God?

Looking forward to your participation!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Emotional Terms)

2008-10-14T09:34:00.000-07:00

Reason is important for the study of the Word of God. In fact, we use reason greatly in our Bible Study Template, as we examine each word for its precise meaning. However, we must always remember to look for the Emotional words also, within our study. He has put emotion into the words so we can feel, and be moved, and explore, and become more intimate with Him. To ignore the emotion, is to ignore a precious gift that God has given all of us to know him more closely.

When we get into our word studies, the emotional part of our study seems to advance greatly, as the Holy Spirit moves both our emotions and our words to deeper places. We all love that when it happens! But even without the deep moving of the Spirit, the words of emotion are clear and evident in His Word.

Today, class, lets find the emotions within our study of John 15:1-16:16. The best way to find them is to read the passage through, and record where you felt goose-bumps, or tears, or anger, or joy, or pride...what passages evoke the emotions in you as you read your study Scriptures?

Looking forward to your emotion sharings!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Actions/Roles of People)

2008-10-04T08:29:00.000-07:00

Since you are going to be listing the Actions and Roles of the LORD God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, your focus is going to be on the peoples actions and roles also. Since they are so connected, lets do the actions and roles of the people at the same time!

One of the most remarkable displays of commitment by our God and by Believers, is revealed through the examination of the breakdown of responsibilities and roles. Our God and our Christ does not make us guess on how to please Them. We're not some people wearing loin cloths, mumbling unintelligible grunts, while the men hunt and the women chew their meat for them, and present daily human sacrifice to a perceived god that we hope to please.

Our LORD God, and our Jesus Christ, has told us what they are going to do when we do what we are supposed to do. Each of the specific roles is completely defined! It is amazing that the world, and false teachers, and governments try to manipulate the specific roles between man and God, and make rules to prevent that commitment of action.

God says do something, we do it. If He has said something will happen if we do it, or don't do it, then it will. How simple can that be? Yet throughout his relationship with mankind, men only seem to do what He wants when He is looking directly at them, or if they have some great need; the rest of the time they turn away after their own lusts and the fruits of the world.

Yet, the LORD God sent his son Jesus Christ to connect completely with us and form that union of relationship where each of us has duty.

So today, class, while you are listing the Roles of the LORD God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit on the previous post, I want you to list the Roles of Believers on this post. I know it is going to be a busy day, but we all need it! Get to work!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Actions/Roles of God)

2008-10-04T08:23:00.000-07:00

Hey all!

I'm gonna start moving faster, so its important that you stay up from here on if you want to receive the freshest food that God serves! Even the food of God tastes better when it first is served, hot and savory from its preparation. As it sits on the table, its still good, but not as filling as freshly prepared!

Today, we're going to talk about alot of things...but our first focus is going to be on the Actions and Roles of God. In our study of John 15:1-16:16, what is God's part? What will the LORD God be doing; what role does he have in the things we are studying. In fact, let's put the other two parts of Him in our consideration today!

Okay, class, today we're going to consider the roles of the LORD God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit as revealed in John 15:1-16:16. There is two action parts John 15:1-16:16...Theirs and Ours. The LORD God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit have committed to doing certain things in response to our actions? What are they?

Looking forward to your full participation, folks!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Conditional Clauses)

2008-10-02T08:20:00.000-07:00

Oh, this is a very easy lesson, class!

1. Look throughout John 15:1-16:16 and find every place the word "IF" is used.
2. Write down that Scripture that contains the word "IF"
3. In your own words, write what the condition states.
4. After you have shared yours, read everyone elses!

Easy day today, but you are going to be amazed at how deep you will go in realizing the conditions and the resulting actions that are listed within our study today!

Happy "IF" hunting!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Means)

2008-10-01T08:34:00.000-07:00

Means answers the question "How?" something is going to get done. It describes the way something is to be accomplished and the way it is done.

Of course, like all of our categories, Means draws from some of the others ones we just did. But it has a uniqueness in its own study. Everytime God teaches us, he tells us how to implement it. Means always connects us to the application of His Word. When we are looking for the means, we are searching for the way to do what God asks.

Although it is difficult to explain, I don't think any of you have had a problem with this category in the past. Let's see how it goes today!

Okay, class, today lets look for the Means revealed in John 15:1-16:16, and share them with the rest of us!

Looking forward as usual to your sharings!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Purpose and Results)

2008-09-30T07:15:00.000-07:00

Okay, folks, don't get confused by this one. Purpose/Results is an important category for us to look at for about a zillion reasons. Most importantly, it defines WHY things are happening, WHY things are written and WHY we must know these things that are recorded in the Word of God.

Purpose and Results are phrases or sentences that describe the reason or consequence of an action.

Words like "that," "in order that," and "so that" are often used, in most cases, right in the middle of purpose and results.

Those phrases that contain general to specific statements will also have a purpose/result characteristic to them. What I would like for you to look for, however, is those specific instances within John 15:1-16:16 where "that" is used, and identify the purpose and result that "that" defines.

See you in class, today!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (General and Specific)

2008-09-29T08:16:00.000-07:00

Okay gang.

I'm waffeling back and forth a little bit on whether to keep this category in our Template. It is so close to cause and effect, that it may be smart of us to just combine the the two area. Make a good effort in this category, and we'll compare our lists. If General and Specific ends up to be exactly like our Cause and Effect list, then I think I will remove it from the Template. However, if we get one more tidbit of information that will allow us to go deeper later on, then it will stay on. Today, you all are part of the first TEMPLATE EXPERIMENT! I'll be the control group, and you be the focus!

Today class, look for the ideas and sentences and words and paragraphs. Note the places where they go from general to the specific and list that progression. Let's see if there are different answers from cause and effect!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Pronouns)

2008-09-28T08:32:00.000-07:00

Pronouns are words used to replace nouns and noun phrases. Examples of pronouns are he, she, it, they, them, those, we, us, our. Each time a pronoun is used, it is referring to someone or something.

Today, class, find all of the pronouns within your study, and figure out who or what those pronouns represent. Probably one of the best techniques to a good interpretation of Scripture is the identification of pronouns; you will be astounded how often passages are made clear by just figuring out who is talking and what is being talked about.

Looking forward to your always great work! Keep on moving forward in our study. We'll be getting into the very deep studies in just a few days!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Verbs)

2008-09-27T09:21:00.000-07:00

My apologies once again to the verb challenged in our group, but we gotta face this task to move forward in our studies. Verbs show action. Verbs show something that can be DONE. Action can take place in past, present or future.

That's the only two things you must look for in our study today. Find the action words, and indicate whether the action is past, present or future.

If you get right down to it, Verbs are used in the Word of God to show His moving. Verbs is one of the important ingredients that makes our Bibles living and moving, and causes us to keep growing spiritually. Notice the verbs? LIVING, MOVING, GROWING, MAKES, ARE USED.

Verbs expresses an action (bring, read), an occurrence (decompose, glitter) or a state of being (exist, stand). When we find the verbs, we are finding the places that brings focus to the Things of God moving.

Today, class, find the verbs and share them with the rest of class; make sure you indicate the time representation, i.e. past, present or future.

Looking forward to your sharings!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Cause and Effect)

2008-09-26T08:39:00.000-07:00

Cause and Effect words indicate a change that has happened as a result of something else. That change can come from movement of the Spirit or Jesus or the LORD God, movement from man, or movement from the wicked. It can come from movement of nature or the created things of God. It can even come from the advancement of ideas and learning of new things.

The Effects are always the results of what happened after the cause was implemented. Where there is an action, there is a reaction. When we do something, something else happens. When the Word of God captures these movements, they are very significant.

Cause and Effect words are also difficult for us to study. Up to this point in our new study, we have been examining individual words and ordering our mind to notice subtle differences. Now, you must adjust your minds to see CONNECTIONS. When you see a connection with two things, and one of them dependent upon the other, you probably have a Cause and Effect.

Today, class, find all of the Cause and Effect connections you can in John 15:1-16:16, and share them with the rest of us. Don't be surprised if your findings differ. These little "something done, something happened" words have a way of hiding in the text.

Looking forward to the sharing of Christ's fruits through you!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Lists)

2008-09-25T08:03:00.000-07:00

Hey All,

You are doing great on these studies! Way to keep up!

I know this first part is repetitive, and everyone has the same answers (especially the girls who form Group #1); however, its through the examination of every word that we begin to absorb God's Word. Once we have absorbed it, then the Holy Spirit has alot of room to move us to the places He wills. It is crucial that you do this part, even if it seems less filling than the later study food.

Today, we're going to find lists in John 15:1-16:16. Of course, one of the simple ways of finding lists in Scripture is to look for commas that connect three or more things together. However, there is a more difficult task; often in Scripture lists are made through ideas that are separated by sentences and paragraphs rather than commas. Be alert to these! Often it is these type of lists that begin to form the large ideas that God wants us to connect.

Okay, class, get to work! Record all of the words or ideas you can find in John 15:1-16:16 that make a list and share it with the rest of us!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Comparisons)

2008-09-25T07:59:00.000-07:00

Today is a little busier day. There are many comparisons within John 15:1-16:16, and we are going to try to find them all.

First, let me talk with you a little bit more about the vine and branches. If you have not already gone to the typology pages and learned the deeper meaning of things, then go right now, before you read the rest of this teaching.

Vines are a difficult one, because our mind was to make Jesus the tree, the plant, whatever a grape vine is. I know that old grapevines resemble old trees at their base, and then when they get about waist-high they start spreading their vines, and the vines branch out all over the place, seeking any kind of hardened area they can that will support their weight.

I have struggled with putting branches on the vine to make this Scripture make sense forever. But I was approaching the interpretation from the wrong angle. Let me see if I can move your understanding forward just a little bit.

Trees are the spiritual life of man. Our roots to our trees are in the foundation of Jesus Christ. Jesus is not our tree. Our spiritual lives is our tree. In our study, Jesus is likened to a vine. His vine grows upon our tree. If we have branches, his vine grows upon our branches, and eventually, produces fruit. Our tree, ourselves, does not produce the fruit, but Christ produces it through the solid existence of our strong spiritual walk.

Normally, I like for you to discover these things yourselves; however, since it took me over five years to finally get it, I thought you might grow a little impatient! The taller the tree, the wider the branches, the more space the vine has to attach itself to, and produce the fruit most pleasing to the LORD God.

Now, as our branches support the vine of Jesus Christ, and his vine branches out, the branches of the tree and the branches of the vine are of one nature. They form a cohesive function together, and the branching out of the vine becomes representative of the branching out of the believer's efforts.

So, when you consider the use of vines in the Word of God, you must consider them from two angles. First as a believer, you must consider the importance of a tall and strong tree that is planted solidly in the Word of God, and provides a strong support for the vine to grow upon. Second, you must consider the branching of the vine to also represent the works of a believer, with the vine representing Jesus, the branches representing the new growth, and the fruit produced as works directed by the LORD God.

Consider the vine from two different perspectives...

1. The vine of Jesus Christ wraps itself around the tree of the believer, and spreads out through the tree branches. It is the vine that produces the fruit, not the tree.

2. As the vine branches out, it branches out because of the strong support of the tree. However, the believers spiritual growth is branches; thus the vine branching is also the spiritual growth of believers, which eventually leads to works be accomplished for God.

To state it in simple terms...

The branches of the tree represent the spiritual growth that a person receives in the spiritual life. Thus, as you grow stronger as a Christian, your tree branches spread.

The branches of the vine represent the spiritual growth that a person receives through his union with Jesus Christ. Thus, as you grow stronger in doing the works of Christ, the branches of the vine spread.

One is general, and one is specific.

The branches of your tree represent your growing walk with Jesus Christ. The branches of a vine represent your growing potential to accomplish works through Jesus Christ.

Vines and branches are typology, but they are comparisons also. Each holds a specific function. Consider the deep things, and look for the other things, and record all of your findings in your post!

Looking forward to your comparison list in John 15:1-16:16!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Contrasts)

2008-09-23T08:36:00.000-07:00

Today, we are going to look for contrasts, which are the differences (opposites) of ideas or words expressed within our study. I've told you all two times before, but I'll say it again...I love contrasts and comparisons...to me, searching for opposites and like-kinds orders my mind perfectly to prepare me to go deeper in the study of His Word.

I don't know if you find the same thing, but for me, it's good preparation. I am proud of your work yesterday, and expect even greater things from all of you today!

Okay Class, today, look for contrasts, the things that express opposite ideas within John 15:1-16:16. Looking forward to the sharing of your studies!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 (Repetition of Words)

2008-09-22T06:55:00.000-07:00

Good morning, class!

Today, we start the picking apart of our newest study, John 15:1-16:16.

We're looking for the different words that are repeated within our study. We do this to get a sense of the basic focus of the Scripture, as well as make our minds begin to form a foundation upon which the rest of our study will be constructed.

I know ***! It's not moving fast enough! But, we gotta do this part if we are going to go deep in our studies! Hang in there!

Today class, find the words that are repeated in our study, and list them. I know everyone should have about the same answers, but post anyway, as an inspiration to others, and to show me that I've got students working out there!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 - (Questions)

2008-09-22T06:52:00.000-07:00

Hey ALL!

When we studied Philippians 2:1-11, we learned the possibilities for fellowship together with Christ in our center. John 17:1-26 brought us closer to the natures of Christ before, while, and after He walked this earth; our study brought us an intimate introduction to the Lord we serve, and we know him better as a result. In our next study, John 15:1-16-16, we're going to learn what Jesus expects from us, and be introduced deeply to the Holy Spirit that has been guiding us these last few months. I can hardly wait for the journey to begin!

Time to open your Bibles up to John 15:1-16:16 and write some questions. Write questions of things that confuse you, or that you want to know more about. During our study together, or in the privacy of your place, you can refer back to these questions often ans see the progress your are making! At least that's the purpose...in our last two studies, have the questions been looked at by any of you? If so, share with me their affect on the study please!

Okay, class, let's get going with our questions on John 15:1-16:16. Hang on to your horses...this is going to be a powerful one!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 15:1-16:16 - New Study Begins Today!

2008-09-21T07:29:00.000-07:00

Hey ALL!

It's that time again for a new study! I've been moved in several directions, and it has been difficult for me to narrow it down. However, when I came to John 15:1-16:16, my soul leaped, and the Holy Spirit began moving me to deeper things as I read. I'm positive that this is the next place we should focus. I know that we are kinda going backwards, but since He is doing the leading, it will all be great!

So, get your things wrapped up on John 17, and get prepared to deeply study John 15:1-16:16 as we learn much more about what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ, the works he expects us to do, and the Holy Spirit he has sent to guide us!

When we studied Philippians 2:1-11, we learned the possibilities for fellowship together with Christ in our center. John 17:1-26 brought us closer to the natures of Christ before, while, and after He walked this earth; our study brought us an intimate introduction to the Lord we serve, and we know him better as a result. In our next study, John 15:1-16-16, we're going to learn what Jesus expects from us, and be introduced deeply to the Holy Spirit that has been guiding us these last few months. I can hardly wait for the journey to begin!

Time to open your BIbles up to John 15:1-16:16 and write some questions. Write questions of things that confuse you, or that you want to know more about. During our study together, or in the privacy of your place, you can refer back to these questions often ans see the progress your are making! At least that's the purpose...in our last two studies, have the questions been looked at by any of you? If so, share with me their affect on the study please!

Okay, class, let's get going with our questions on John 15:1-16:16. Hang on to your horses...this is going to be a powerful one!

“1 ¶ I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 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. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 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. 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. 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. 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. 8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.”

“9 ¶ As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 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. 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and [that] your joy might be full. 12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 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. 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. 17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.”

“18 ¶ If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before [it hated] you. 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. 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. 21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin. 23 He that hateth me hateth my Father also. 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. 25 But [this cometh to pass], that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.”

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

“16:1 ¶ These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. 2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. 3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. 4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you. 5 But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou? 6 But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.”

“7 ¶ Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. 12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you. 15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you. 16 ¶ A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.” (John 15:1-16:16 KJV)

David "Bucker" Becker

John 17:1-26 (Holy Spirit)

2008-09-19T15:01:00.008-07:00

I am pleased to tell you that there are very few false interpretations of John 17:1-26; thus, our study of the "old men" is completed. In fact, our study is drawing to a conclusion. I have taught you all that I have been moved to teach concerning this Scripture.

So, today is the last day of our study of John 17:1-26. What a journey! We each have received great blessings in our lives, as well as added God's blessings to some of our loved one's lives as we have studied together.

We have had great struggles during this study. We have had to deal with suicide, loss of loved ones, conflict, joblessness, and pain. Yet, in the midst of it all, our fellowship has continued to seek His Will and carried out the works that He has given us to do the best way we could. During this time we bought some Bibles for the mentally ill who are being refused access by government entities; we still try to get those Bibles in the hands of the hungry and the sick.

We saw spiritual growth in all of our participating members, and come to the realization together, that we are being changed, being made whole, being made well through our dedicated studies of His Word. We recognize that each other is changing, and we have found that we have great confidence in our participating members to "have our back" and keep us focused on the things that really matter.

On Sunday, we will be starting a brand new study. I would put it up for a vote, but we know how that goes, don't we! So, I will surprise you with our next journey; I have been in deep prayer and contemplation in this last week, and I am confident that He will guide me to choose exactly what He Wills. Make sure you say a prayer for that process, so it is perfect in His Will.

Okay, class, this concludes the deep study of John 17:1-26. This is the time to reflect on the complete journey, and recall the places we were taken together. WOW! WHAT A JOURNEY!

John 17:1-25 (Calvin - Deliverance from Evil)

2008-09-19T15:01:00.007-07:00

You all are doing magnificently on your studies, at least, those of you sharing your findings!

I've never gotten feedback concerning our study of the "old guys writings." Is this part of our studies fruitful? Do you get deep growth from learning the thoughts of the fathers of faith? Do you look forward to this part being over, or do you wish I would go deeper? Give me some feedback, so I know how to measure this part.

“I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.” (John 17:15 KJV)

John Calvin focused upon the conditions that Jesus Christ keeps believers safe in this evil world. He said...

"If, therefore, we wish to be kept according to the rule which Christ has laid down, we must not desire exemption from evils, or pray to God to convey us immediately into a state of blessed rest, but must rest satisfied with the certain assurance of victory, and, in the meantime, resist courageously all the evils, from which Christ prayed to his Father that we might have a happy issue. In short, God does not take his people out of the world, because he does not wish them to be effeminate and slothful; but he delivers them from evil, that they may not be overwhelmed; for he wishes them to fight, but does not suffer them to be mortally wounded ." (Calvin, 179)

I focus on this concept a whole lot in my teachings of the Word of God. I believe that the devil has moved in the midst of our churches and our society, and attempted to make our Christ's reputation effeminate, and believers even more "girly weak." Because of Satan's moving, misguided Christians think that meek means you let every one run over you, and you stay calm and humble and lesser than those that surround you.

There is nothing farther from the Truth! The LORD God does not want his people to be effeminate nor does he want them to be lazy. He wants them to be strong and able and standing and willing to fight any battles that come their way with the confidence that they will prevail over evil. I'm always amazed when Christian men and women stand in the midst of evil attack and allow themselves to be pelted, when they only have to take one step away to avoid the situation completely. Confused Christians think that God wants them to be weak, and that weakness shows humbleness, and that humbleness shows their love of Christ. Bull-pucky!

There is not an effeminate cell in my Jesus Christ's body. He is the strongest King, the strongest Lord and the strongest Man that has ever existed. He trains his followers to be soldiers; to stand strong in adversity, and to have confidence of both salvation and keeping! He keeps us from attacks overwhelming us; but he does not keep us from all attacks. Why? Because he wants his followers raised up able and strong, ready to fight the battles he chooses with confidence in Him and His Keeping!

Today, class, consider this keeping by Jesus Christ. Share with us a time when you confidently endured an attack by evil, when your faith allowed you to stand strong, even when odds were against you. Tell us what that felt like, and what would have happened if you had not remained strong in faith of victory. Examine the people in the outskirts of the drama; did the witness of Christ touch them because of your strength to endure? What advice can you give the new Christians, who might not have faced the tough battles yet; how should they prepare, and what should they expect? What type of a soldier are you for God?

Can't wait to read your sharings!

John 17:1-26 (Catholic - High Priest)

2008-09-19T15:01:00.006-07:00

The Catechism of the Catholic Church says this about the longest recorded prayer in the Word of God....

Christian Tradition rightly calls this prayer the "priestly" prayer of Jesus. It reflects the prayer of our high priest. (2747) Our high priest who prays for us is also the one who prays in us and the God who hears our prayer. (2749)
Prayer to our Father is our prayer, if it is prayed in the name of Jesus. In his priestly prayer, Jesus asks: "Holy Father, protect in your name those whom you have given me." But Jesus does not give us a formula to repeat mechanically. As in every vocal prayer, it is through the Word of God that the Holy Spirit teaches the children of God to pray to their Father. Jesus not only gives us the words of our filial prayer, at the same time he gives us the Spirit by whom these words become in us "spirit and life."(2766)

In our deep study to date, we have focused upon the nature of man that Christ possessed. When he went to his crucifixion, he did not possess the nature of God, but rather the nature of man. It was only after His Resurrection, that He once against possessed the fullness of the nature of Him.

It was important for us to recognize his nature state. However, we have not addressed the position he held upon this earth, with the nature of man, and not the nature of God. Jesus Christ assumed the highest position a man can hold upon this earth...High Priest of the LORD God. It was not the nature of God that assumed this office, but the nature of man possessed by our High Priest Jesus Christ, that prayed this prayer recorded in John 17:1-26.

Because Jesus prayed this prayer as a High Priest, he offered himself as conveyor of our prayers. If we pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our prayers reach the ears of God.

What is a High Priest? Let's search Old Testament Scripture today, and find out what the office of High Priest does. What is the deep meaning of being a High Priest? What did it mean in the days of oldest record in the Bible, and what did it mean in the days that Jesus walked upon this earth? What does the title High Priest mean to us today?

I know this is a little bit more intensive study, and searching Scripture will require a more detailed effort. I'll give you a couple days to complete this work. I think it is important for our future studies to grasp this concept, and since this prayer is very apparently a prayer said as the Highest of Priests to God on our behalf, then to understand its deepest meaning is important.

Happy study!

John 17:1-26 (Other Examples) (Lord's Prayer)

2008-09-19T15:01:00.005-07:00

“And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.” (Luke 11:2-4 KJV)

I debated whether to share this one with you, but it held enough of my interest to consider it, so I thought you might like to consider it also.

The prayer divides itself into three parts: (1) Of the Lord for Himself; (2) for those in whose hearing it was spoken; (3) for those who should believe on Him through their word. " Bishop Chase, in his book on the Lord’s Prayer (so called) in the early Church, has very suggestively compared the petitions of that formula with the prayer of this chapter as follows: "Our Father who art in Heaven" with "Father" in verses 1, 5, 21, 24 with "Holy Father" in verse 11; and with "Righteous Father" in verse 25. "Hallowed be Thy Name" with verses 6, 11, 12, 26. [We might add, "that Thy Son may glorify Thee" in verse 1.] "Thy kingdom come" with verses 1 f. "Thy will be done" with verses 4 f. 11, 21. "Bring us not into temptation" with verses 12, 15. Cf., passim, Bishop Moule’s volume on this chapter, recently published, which is in his best style.(Eclectic Notes on the Bible)

This view suggests that even the deepest prayer of Christ took on the form of the basic Lord's prayer that was taught by Jesus to the disciples. I'm considering this structure, because if Jesus prayed with the same basic template as the Lord's prayer during his most distressed times, then should we structure our own prayers accordingly?

Do any of you see the basic structure of the Lord's prayer contained within this deep prayer of Christ? If so, should we pay attention to the structure of our prayers to our Father, or should we speak on a more intimate and free nature?

I'm going to move on and do another lesson today, but if any of you want to comment, I'd be interested in what you had to say!

John 17:1-25 (Calvin - World)

2008-09-19T15:01:00.004-07:00

Why do we read the thoughts of the "dead Christian guys?"

First, because many of our faith practices today were established on their beliefs.

Secondly, their thoughts often stir new thoughts in us, as our Holy Spirit moves us to deeper Things, always conforming to the Word of God.

Thirdly, our Lord wants his followers to be thinking and standing, able to walk forward in the direction he has chosen; he does not want his followers to blindly follow. Once we are certain of our belief in our deep studies, it is important that we examine other beliefs, so we can seal what God has taught us tightly into our understanding. That process doesn't happen until it is challenged. By reading the "old guys works," that sealing in process happens!

Fourthly, leaders in the Christian world must be able to explain the Truth of God to others. This Bible Study is a leadership class. You are receiving meat and teachings on the deeper things of God. You are being made into leaders for Christ. If you can understand why something is interpreted incorrectly because of some old guy's views of past, then you might be able to explain that to the confused Christian and guide them back to the Truth.

Fifthly, God used these old guys and the Fathers of the early church to bring His Time and Teachings to fullness. It is profitable for us to absorb all their knowledge that reflects Truth, so we don't waste valuable time in learning new things.

Finally, it's fun. It's cool seeing how deep we have learned the things of God.

Calvin is one of my favorite guys. But, sadly, he has got things really wrong with his interpretation of this prayer of Jesus recorded in John 17:1-25.

He teaches that Jesus is saying a prayer to begin the reconciliation process of the world to God. This prayer begins the time ("the hour is come") when that reconciliation begins...

If it be objected, that never was there any thing less glorious than the death of Christ, which was then at hand, I reply, that in that death we behold a magnificent triumph which is concealed from wicked men; for there we perceive that, atonement having been made for sins, the world has been reconciled to God, the curse has been blotted out, and Satan has been vanquished.

Now, this stance is so against Calvin's own beliefs! Calvin believes that people are selected by God, predestined by Him, to come to Jesus. Yet, in this prayer, he interprets the "world as being reconciled to God" through an almost crucified Christ.

Suddenly, Calvin's personal belief is confused, as he tries to make a "bigger picture" conclusion that doesn't fit anywhere. Unfortunately, this opinion, along with many other misinterpretations got picked up along the way by Christians who failed to conform things with the Word of God, and confusion and false teachings derived from it.

There are a few major problems with Calvin's quote, most of which we have learned through our most recent study. I am interested in how many you can find, and how you would argue these points if Calvin were standing in front of you today. What are some of these untruths expressed in Calvin's opinion, and why are these untruths dangerous to the understanding of the Truth of God?

Looking forward to your deep defense of the things God has taught you!

John 17:1-26 (Calvin - Posture of Prayer)

2008-09-19T15:01:00.002-07:00

John Calvin says this concerning the posture of prayer that Jesus reflected as "lifted up his eyes to heaven" in the deepest of prayers...

"...if we desire actually to imitate Christ, we must take care that outward gestures do not express more than is in our mind, but that the inward feeling shall direct the eyes, the hands, the tongue, and every thing about us (Calvin, 164)."

That quote pretty well covers our discussion of the last few days. In some situations we find ourselves, it is difficult to pray for some of us. This difficulty includes the posture in which we pray...to approach God in honesty, always.

That's what makes it difficult for us, if you get down to it. None of us has any problem praying when there is dire need or emergency or if it is for someone else. It is when we approach God personally, when the Holy Spirit is not speaking for us completely (not forming our words, but still delivering our prayers), that the difficulty arises.

What posture should we assume in our personal prayer? Calvin suggests that Christ was proper to pray with his eyes lifted to Heaven, because he was going to Heaven and belonged more to that Kingdom than the world at that time of his prayer. Calvin says that "Christ should pray in a different manner, for he had nothing about him of which he ought to be ashamed". This suggests that us mere Christians have shame, and thus, no right to approach the LORD God with raised eyes toward Him.

"We are told, indeed, that the publican with downcast eyes, prayed aright to God, (Luke xviii. 13,)...;for, though he was confused an humbled on account of his sins, still this self-abasement did not prevent him from seeking pardon with full confidence (Calvin, 164).

So, my faithful prayer warriors, is Calvin right? Is prayer with eyes raised toward the Heavens and God the wrong posture for praying Christians? Should we limit ourselves to bowed heads of shame when we approach God in prayer? Does the posture of prayer affect the way we stand upon the Mountain and reach the spiritual realm of the LORD God?

Looking forward to reading your thoughts.

Citation: Calvin, John. Calvin’s Commentaries: John, Vol. XVII. Grand Rapids: Baker Books. 2005.

John 17:1-26 (Reflections)

2008-09-19T15:01:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone!

We have finished with our deep learning process concerning the prayer of Jesus recorded in John 17:1-26. For the rest of our study, we will be discussing what others have thought, and what theologies have been implemented because of those interpretations. To make sure you are solid in all that you have learned before we start looking at others thoughts, it's a good time to reflect upon all that you have learned, and to record that learning here. That way, if one of those old guys of past starts spouting off things that confuse you, you can refer back to this place to center your thoughts.

With that being said...(and I'm not certain that I put it in a way that is entirely understandable)...

Record the deepest things that you have learned in the study to date concerning John 17:1-26! Tomorrow, we'll start dealing with the opinions of others.

John 17:1-26 (Bible Translations) (Sanctified)

2008-09-19T15:01:00.000-07:00

First let me offer an explanation to the newbies in our classroom. I don't care what translation of Bible you use in your personal study of the Word of God as long as it reflects the Truth intended. For many reasons, we have chosen to use the King James Bible in our classroom studies; I believe it is a true interpretation of the Word of God, and everyone has a copy so we are all on the same pages in our study. However, in your personal study, you may prefer another translation of the Bible. It is imperative that you understand how that Bible interprets the Word, so you can rely on it always. I would strongly recommend that you do not go back and forth between translations; each translation has its own peculiarities and strengths. WARNING: If you want to mess up a good study, then the way to do it is to confuse it with different translations.

I think we had a really good review of Bible translations last study. For our newbies, you can refer to Bible Translations, Bible Translations before King James, King James Authorized Version, King James Bible Present Day and Popular Today King James Authorized Version on this blog.

On with our current study...

I found some serious translation problems with the concept of sanctification. Today, we're going to examine the different interpretations of John 17:19, and discuss the problems that can develop or be misinterpreted as a result of these little, but important, differences.

KING JAMES “And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.” (John 17:19)

Now let's look at the other translations...

NLT “And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.” (John 17:19)

NKJV "And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.” (John 17:19)

NIV “For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.” (John 17:19)

Today, class, examine the minute differences between the various interpretations, compare them to the King James Version translation, and discuss the problems with the way the Word of God is reflected in the other translations.

Looking forward to reading your thoughts. Get to work!

John 17:1-26 (Dictionary) (Know)

2008-09-08T08:20:00.000-07:00

We're now moving on from Hebrew/Greek and looking at just one word for a general understanding with our dictionaries. First, let's examine the actual Greek meaning of the word "known"

1097. ginwskw ginosko ghin-oce’-ko; a prolonged form of a primary verb; to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed):— allow, be aware (of), feel, (have) know(-ledge), perceived, be resolved, can speak, be sure, understand.

Notice that it defines the word as being "absolutely" in application. Although the Greek defines know in general terms, in the Word of God, the word "Know" has great, great significance. So, we're going to examine the word in a little bit more detail today so we may "know" exactly what that significance is.

When God teaches you through his spirit, he teaches to your understanding and measures to your knowledge. In other words, the teachings of God start with milk and progress to meat; all lessons of God are given with the spiritual measure of where that person is in their spiritual growth. The things we learn in this classroom would never be taught someone that is brand new in the Christian faith. On the reverse side, many of us have gotten hungry over the years because often the spiritual focus is on the simple traditions, and fail to feed the mature Christians the meat needed to learn the things of God.

So the LORD God brings people together into congregations, and teaches them His Things according to their spiritual growth. Once that teaching happens, and a person has absorbed it into his being, then knowledge is gained. What does it mean to know?

be in the know - informal be aware of something known only to a few people.
I know (what) - A new idea or suggestion or application.
know something backwards - Such great understanding that a problem can be looked at from many directions.
know better than - be wise enough to avoid doing something.
know someone by sight - recognize someone without knowing their name or being well acquainted with them.
know no bounds - have no limits.
know one's own mind - be decisive and certain.
know the ropes - have experience of the appropriate procedures.
know what's what - informal be experienced and competent in a particular area.
not want to know - informal refuse to react or take notice.

Okay, that's the dictionary way of defining the word "Known". But it goes even deeper than that in the Word of God.

At some point in God's teaching, it is no longer a matter of fact, but a deep knowledge. The knowledge is so great, that the brain doesn't have to think about it; the knowing is the foundation of His Word, and all things that touch that knowing are defined by its presence.

For instance, all of us have knowing faith. There is nothing that is going to remove our faith from us. We know what we know after a lifetime of spiritual journey, and since our knowledge of God has been based upon His Word of Truth, our knowledge is solid and founded upon solid ground. We know with certainty what we know.

In the deep teachings of God, however, we don't always know. It takes us awhile to attach our new learnings to our solid knowledge. This is the process we have been doing these last few days, as newly revealed teachings must be filed correctly in our minds and hearts, and began the establishment that will one day result in our knowledge being enhanced.

What does that mean...

It means that when you "know" something, you can apply it without pause, without thinking, without effort. When you know the Word of God deeply, it becomes a part of you. When the Word of God is part of you, then you become fully equipped to the Holy Spirit, and his movement is unlimited and fully independent of confusion barriers that are usually placed in His path.

Today, class, I would like for you to consider the word "know" and apply it to the things of God that have been revealed to us in the last week or so since we started our deeper word studies. What do you "know" today, that you did not "know" last week?

After you answer that question, take a little time to examine the use of the word "know" in the Gospels, and see some of the focus that the word "know" brings. What are some of the things that Christ wants us to know and why?

This might be a busy day for spiritual work, depending how deeply you search for the word "know." It is a journey that might take many days. It is a path that will reward you greatly, should you choose to examine the full and deepest meaning of the words knowledge and know and known in the Word of God. For classroom purposes, share with us your best discoveries!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 17:1-26 (Hebrew/Greek) (Faith)

2008-09-07T10:32:00.000-07:00

“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;” (John 17:20 KJV)

FAITH! That's what Jesus is talking about in this prayer. It's a matter of believing on him, and giving your word that you believe. Notice the two-step process! You must believe, and you must confess. Confess means that you say it out loud!

“32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32-33 KJV)

IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO CONFESS JESUS CHRIST!

“Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.” (1 John 4:15 KJV)

So today, class, that's what we are going to do! Were going to confess Jesus Christ with our word in writing!

I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he died for me and raised again, and as a result I have the promise of salvation through the forgiveness of sins, that will be redeemed at the end of the world. I believe that His Father dwells in him, and He in His Father, and that Christ will confess me to His Father because of my faith in him! Praise Be To My LORD God, and my Lord Jesus Christ and that Spirit who moves His Things!

Confession of your Lord Jesus Christ is that important! Confessing it often makes it that sweeter, that more certain, to our Lord's ears! Please take an opportunity today to confess your own belief and faith in your Lord Jesus Christ!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 17:1-26 (Hebrew/Greek) (Sanctify)

2008-09-05T12:22:00.000-07:00

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17 KJV)

The prayer of Jesus makes gives us perfect definition to how we become sanctified. Learn and experience the truths that are expressed in His Word and you will be sanctified. Sanctified means...

37. hagiazo hag-ee-ad’-zo; from 40; to make holy, i.e. (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate:— hallow, be holy, sanctify. 40. agiov hagios hag’-ee-os; from agov hagos (an awful thing) [compare 53, 2282]; sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated):— (most) holy (one, thing), saint.

Now this old Christian wants to tell you all something that maybe you haven't heard before...

When you become mature in your faith, when the focus upon the Word of God becomes habit, when your walk is steady with Christ, you don't sin. Now, I know that sounds like I'm not humble, or that I'm fooling myself, but I am being as truthful with you as I am able. I have been baptized and released from the hold of original sin. Every once in a while and a blue moon, I have a minor sin that I must repent and ask forgiveness. But as my life progresses, I sin less and less, and the times I do sin are immediately recognized and resolved. I'm almost perfect now!

Wouldn't that draw gasps from a crowded church? That makes me laugh just thinking about it! Especially when I recognize that I used to be a terrible sinner, with many sins not even thought of or known by normal people. So when I say I am holy, I am a saint, I am pure....that's a very big deal!

How did it happen? Was it when I put on my Sunday clothes and went to church? NO! Was it when I quit cussing and tried hard to love others more than myself? NO! Was it when I avoided all the areas I usually sinned in, and did self-improvement exercises that made my life more focused? NO! Are you ready for the real answer?

I quit sinning when I started studying the Word of God fully, and living what I read. When the Word of God became Truth inside me, there was no room for sin or thoughts of sin. My life became too full, too busy, too hungry to ever be a part of the empty calories of sin.

If I could teach you young uns' anything today, it would be the hope you have from successfully overcoming sin! The certainty that the Word of God is Truth, and it will make you Holy! You don't have to wait for the redemption of your sins to become Holy. The promise is enough to build your foundation upon Christ's Truth, and your sins will be no more! I promise...but more importantly...God's Word states it!

Today, I would like for each of you to share if you have observed this tendency to sin less as you study His Word! Really looking forward to the confessions of guilt... just kidding! Looking forward to your sharings on a purely spiritual level!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 17:1-26 (Hebrew/Greek) (Redemption)

2008-09-04T08:59:00.000-07:00

You asked some very good questions in the Son of Perdition section. Combined with the Kept study, and the response and participation from all of you, and the moving of the Holy Spirit through both me and you, we need to focus on this questions more deeply.

To remind you all, we are focused upon this basic questions with many other questions attached to it...

Can a chosen person of God that has received the salvation of Jesus Christ lose salvation?

Now I know we're working on other questions also, but let's focus on this one first.

First, let's talk about the concept of salvation. Jesus Christ shed his blood once and for all that come through him, to deliver them from original sin. Thus, if the blood of Jesus redeems the sins of man, I think it is highly logical to recognize that there is no do-overs. If his blood covers the sin, then the sin is no more; thus, once a person is saved from original sin, that person cannot have original sin any longer.

This leads us to ask...

When is the blood of Jesus Christ redeemed for the sins of mankind?

Does it happen upon our acceptance of Jesus Christ, does it happen at our baptism, or does it happen at some later date. Is it a promise given to us or is it a reality?

The key is redemption! If redemption occurs immediately upon acceptance of Jesus Christ, then there is no way his blood is going to be ineffective upon some. However, if redemption occurs at a later date, then there can be some possibility that a person gives up the promise of salvation, and goes against God.

To answer our question, go to your Strongs and look up "Redemption" and "Redeem." Find relevant Scripture references and share them with us. Let's see if we can figure out first when redemption happens, and then we will answer all the other questions from there!

Looking forward to this very, very deep journey! I hope everyone of you are able to travel with us on this one. It's going to be great!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 17:1-26 (Hebrew/Greek) (Son of Perdition)

2008-09-02T16:54:00.000-07:00

Pretty easy (or maybe hard) study today, class. We're going to identify whom is being spoken about in John 17:1-12...

“While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.” (John 17:12 KJV)

So, here is the study question of the day...

Who is the son of perdition that was lost so that scripture might be fulfilled? Support your answer with Scripture references please!

Hint: Perdition means...

684. apwleia apoleia ap-o’-li-a; from a presumed derivative of 622; ruin or loss (physical, spiritual or eternal):— damnable(-nation), destruction, die, perdition, X perish, pernicious ways, waste. 622. apollumi apollumi ap-ol’-loo-mee; from 575 and the base of 3639; to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively:— destroy, die, lose, mar, perish. 575. apo apo apo’; a primary particle; "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative):— (X here-)after, ago, at, because of, before, by (the space of), for(-th), from, in, (out) of, off, (up-)on(-ce), since, with. In composition (as a prefix) it usually denotes separation, departure, cessation, completion, reversal, etc.

David "Bucker" Becker

John 17:1-26 (Hebrew/Greek) (Kept)

2008-08-31T06:25:00.000-07:00

“While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.” (John 17:12 KJV)

Jesus KEPT his followers in the name of the LORD God. KEPT means...

5083. tereo tay-reh’-o; from terov teros (a watch; perhaps akin to 2334); to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from 5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from 2892, which implies a fortress or full military lines of apparatus), i.e. to note (a prophecy; figuratively, to fulfil a command); by implication, to detain (in custody; figuratively, to maintain); by extension, to withhold (for personal ends; figuratively, to keep unmarried); by extension, to withhold (for personal ends; figuratively, to keep unmarried):— hold fast, keep(-er), (pre-, re-)serve, watch.

Jesus didn't corner his believers, and force them to believe the things he taught. He didn't bring his believers together in a cult-like setting, or put them behind bars to prevent the world from attacking. He guarded them, just as a shepherd guards his sheep.

In these tumultuous times, it would be easy for all of us to justify hiding in our houses, and avoiding everybody and everything. The world is cruel and terrible and nasty. There is little good coming in it right now. We could use that as an excuse. We surely have all suffered great pain in our lives, and we all are sometimes crippled by unjust circumstances and confusing attacks. We have every reason to roll up into a ball, and let life go on without us.

Yet, Jesus asked each of us to come out of our sheltered existence and take a chance. He brought us together in fellowship; our way would be to avoid everybody and everything. His way is to gather his people into groups of fellowship, that can help each other endure these tremendously hard times.

Our fellowship is the one of the ways that Jesus is guarding us right now. He is keeping us in the name of the LORD God. He is using each of us to keep accountability for the rest of us, as well as sharing the things of our lives, so everyone else's lives seems manageable and okay. That's what fellowship is...keeping the people of God together and focused on His Name.

Okay, we're a little weird. We won't see each other on this earth, and most of us really aren't the present-day church kinds of people. Jesus knew what he was doing when he brought us together...he matches our needs perfectly, to protect us fully from the things that could harm us in this day.

Today, class, lets discuss some of the aspects of our fellowship that Jesus uses to keep us in the Word of God, to focus upon His name, and to protect us from things of this world. What are some of the things in your recent life that have become more sure since our fellowship begin? If you are new to our classroom, what are some of the things you hope for in a fellowship with us? What are some specific ways that Christ has "kept" us protected through each other?

Talk to you all, again soon! Keep up the good work!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 17:1-26 (Hebrew/Greek) (World)

2008-08-30T10:08:00.000-07:00

We know what is meant of the word "world." But let's seal that meaning deep inside our understanding today, so every time we read "world" we think of the deeper meaning. So that every time someone speaks about the "world" we realize the importance of avoiding it! So that every time someone challenges us on why we have separated ourselves from the "world" we can explain. So that every time we go out into the "world" we take caution and prepare, just as Jake prepares his protective gear and weapons to walk out into the midst of war. So that every time some misinterpretation of God's Word rears its head, and declares Jesus Christ was God on earth to save the world, we can remember the prayer of Christ, and how he did NOT come for those of the "world," and brought only those given him first by his Father.

2889. kosmov kosmos kos’-mos; probably from the base of 2865; orderly arrangement, i.e. decoration; by implication, the world (in a wide or narrow sense, including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively [morally]):— adorning, world. 2865. komizw komizo kom-id’-zo; from a primary komew komeo (to tend, i.e. take care of); properly, to provide for, i.e. (by implication) to carry off (as if from harm; genitive case obtain):— bring, receive.

The world is not us, and it does not belong to us. Someday, the New Earth will be our world, and we will be able to fully participate in life. Since these tough times have come, faithful Christians are pulling themselves away from the world, wisely, and preparing themselves to face the End Days that Jesus warns will come upon us in Matthew 24.

Today, class, I have more multiple questions...

What things of the world have you had to separate yourself from that you miss? What things of the world have you had to separate yourself from that you don't miss? What things of this world that you are not able to participate in currently, will you hope will be upon the New Earth one day, and available for you to enjoy? How hard do you think it is going to be for us to participate together comfortably and confidently on the New Earth initially? How do you think we will gain confidence to participate in the New Earth, and realize it is finally our world, and we can be and live perfectly, with Christ in rule?!

Looking forward to your contemplations!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 17:1-26 (Hebrew/Greek) (Pray)

2008-08-29T08:11:00.000-07:00

As you all have figured out prior to this lesson, John 17:1-26 is a very personal prayer spoken by Jesus Christ to His Father, as he faces the end of his life in the most disgraceful and painful circumstances. We were on his mind in the end, and he had a request for his Father. That is what to pray means...

2065. erwtaw erotao er-o-tah’-o; apparently from 2046 [compare 2045]; to interrogate; by implication, to request:— ask, beseech, desire, intreat, pray. Compare 4441. 2065. erwtaw erotao er-o-tah’-o; apparently from 2046 [compare 2045]; to interrogate; by implication, to request:— ask, beseech, desire, intreat, pray. Compare 4441. 2046. erew ereo er-eh’-o; probably a fuller form of 4483; an alternate for 2036 in cert. tenses; to utter, i.e. speak or say:— call, say, speak (of), tell. 4483. rew rheo hreh’-o; for certain tenses of which a prolonged form erew ereo er-eh’-o; is used; and both as alternate for 2036; perhaps akin (or ident.) with 4482 (through the idea of pouring forth); to utter, i.e. speak or say:—command, make, say, speak (of). Compare 3004.

Of all those words used to describe the nature of prayer, the one I think that comes closest to the idea that expresses the nature of this deepest prayer recorded in the Garden of Gethsemane, it would be the words "POURING FORTH." It was as if Jesus opened his soul, his love, his focus and poured it out as He looked to His Father in Heaven to grant his requests.

Today, class, I would like for you to share with me, and each other, prayers that you have "Poured Forth" your spirit to God. How did you prepare yourself to pray this type of prayer? What location? What state was your heart? How did you form your words? How did you hear God answer? What were the results?

I know this is a personal assignment today, but, given the tremendous difficulties that we are all experiencing in our lives, possibly comparing notes will give us new ideas of how to reach God in the most effective and deepest of ways.

Thanks for your givings!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 17:1-26 (Hebrew/Greek) (Manifested)

2008-08-27T10:39:00.000-07:00

Okay, Class, today is an easy lesson, but an important concept.

Jesus told his Father...

“I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.” (John 17:6 KJV)

Manifested means...

5319. Manifested - phaneroo fan-er-o’-o; from 5318; to render apparent (literally or figuratively):— appear, manifestly declare, (make) manifest (forth), shew (self). 5318. fanerov phaneros fan-er-os’; from 5316; shining, i.e. apparent (literally or figuratively); neuter (as adverb) publicly, externally:—abroad, + appear, known, manifest, open [+ -ly], outward ([+ -ly]). 5316. fainw phaino fah’-ee-no; prolongation for the base of 5457; to lighten (shine), i.e. show (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative):— appear, seem, be seen, shine, X think. 5457. fwv phos foce; from an obsolete faw phao (to shine or make manifest, especially by rays; compare 5316, 5346); luminousness (in the widest application, nat. or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative):— fire, light.

Notice how I took the meaning down to it's lowest interpretation. Manifestation shows FIRE, LIGHT! Jesus Christ showed the LIGHT of God to those whom God gave to him to show it to.

Just last week, God brought us a new person to teach His things. She had no knowledge of Jesus or God. NONE! She kinda knew about the crucifixion, but didn't understand it. She kinda had heard of Adam and Eve, but she thought that was just a story. All she knew is that she woke up one day with a hole in the pit of her soul, and she knew that she had to find something to fill it; then God led her to us through a very alert and faithful Christian evangelist.

I never thought that I would ever teach the good news of Jesus Christ to someone with absolutely no knowledge of him in America. Surely everyone, I thought, had a basic running knowledge of at least what a Bible was; I was floored when she knew absolutely nothing!

Think about it! What do you say to get a person to understand the things of Christ when they have never, ever even heard and contemplated any words like sin, forgiveness, love, resurrection, sacrifice, faith, Heaven. When a person has grown up in a completely carnal family, without anyone around to tell the things of God, it is mind-bongling!

First thing that Becca and I did before she came is set out our usual Bible Study guides and worksheets to get her started. First thing we did after she sat down to learn the things of God, was get rid of our guides and worksheets! She was too lost with even the basic things!

So we talked. Rather than sitting in our dining room in the midst of our Jesus Picture Wall, and all of the things of Spirit expressed in so many different ways...we sat in our living room, in comfortable chairs, and talked and talked and talked. We told her about God turning a switch on inside her and that she was one of the lucky ones, because now she got to come closer to Him and learn His things. We touched briefly on all of the requirements of belief...but this is the thing...

At some point in our conversation, it quit being a lesson, and it just started being an expression of our love for Jesus and God. It progressed from the definitions of things, to the light of Christ, and it shone brilliantly in our midst as the Holy Spirit took charge of our words and spoke them in a way we could not muster ourselves. The next thing we know, this little heathen girl who had never even glanced upon the things of Spirit, had tears flowing down her face, and she said, "I am so happy."

Between you and me, I think she has already accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior. She wants to learn all about him before she makes that commitment, as well she should, but I think in her heart she already has decided because she is "so happy." We have heard from her in the last week, and she is studying our Foundation workbook, and already up to question 82, and she is still "so happy!" The light of the LORD God, the light of Jesus Christ, the light of the Holy Spirit, was manifested inside that girl powerfully, and it overcame her lack of knowledge and her ignorance of the things of spirit. Praise be to God!

As we are placed in positions to witness the things of God, we must always remember to manifest the light of Christ! Just as Jesus manifested the light of His Father. It wasn't dry facts...it wasn't focus upon the law...it was focused upon the brilliance of His Father, and he showed it to everyone that God gave to him.

Today, class, let's discuss how we show that light, how we manifest it and shine in the midst of non-believers and believers. How does that light shine differ between the things of the world and the things of the spirit? How can we improve our spiritual focus to ensure that our light from Him is manifested to others?

Looking forward to you answers.

David "Bucker" Becker

John 17:1-26 (Hebrew/Greek) (Eternal Life)

2008-08-27T10:37:00.000-07:00

Do you know how it is when you hear a word over and over, that it loses some of its significance? Eternal Life seems like one of those words to me. It seems like every two bit Christian convert, as well as a four bit mature one, uses this word in a practiced pattern of speech. "Accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and you too will have ETERNAL LIFE!"

166. aiwniov aionios ahee-o’-nee-os; from 165; perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well):— eternal, for ever, everlasting, world (began).

What's does that really mean? Whelp, some Christians think it means that they get to go to Heaven forever and live a life that is perfect and peaceful. NOPE!

Eternal life means that it is life forever. God does not promise the conditions of how that life will be lived, he does not promise the eternal location of where that will be; we know nothing of the coming times and what our new challenges and growth steps will be. Don't fall into the trap of thinking that eternal life means Heaven...you will cheat yourself out of a whole bunch of deepness, if you limit eternal life to just that!

We do know some things...we know at sometime, in God's choosing, that He is going to destroy the Heavens and Earth, and make a New Heaven and a New Earth.

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.” (Revelation 21:1 KJV)

That's as far as our Bible goes...what happens after that, only God knows. But you can bet that our Father in Heaven has great plans for us to encourage us to continue to grow closer and closer to Him. He desires our worship, and the more powerful we are in spirit, the more delight our worship will bring to Him!

What is Eternal Life? I want each of you to explore these possibilities a little bit today. I want you to wrap your mind around Eternal Life, and realize what that really means! In this life, there is life and there is death (because of the sin that was introduced into our lineage). However, God must be confident that sin will not come to us ever again, or He would not boldly declare that Eternal Life will be granted to us! Just by offering that extraordinary gift to us, we can be sure that our lives are going to be drastically different when we start living the eternal part of it!

Or, have we started living the Eternal Part of it now? Has the Grace of God bestowed Eternal Life upon us through our acceptance of Christ as Savior...has that supernatural gift of eternal existence been laid into my soul already? What is to come? How will the New Earth be? God gave us a little hint in His Word...

“1 ¶ And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God [is] with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, [and be] their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”

“9 ¶ And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife. 10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, 11 Having the glory of God: and her light [was] like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; 12 And had a wall great and high, [and] had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are [the names] of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: 13 On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. 14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 15 And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. 16 And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. 17 And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred [and] forty [and] four cubits, [according to] the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. 18 And the building of the wall of it was [of] jasper: and the city [was] pure gold, like unto clear glass. 19 And the foundations of the wall of the city [were] garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation [was] jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; 20 The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. 21 And the twelve gates [were] twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city [was] pure gold, as it were transparent glass. 22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. 23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb [is] the light thereof. 24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. 25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. 26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. 27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”

“22:1 ¶ And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, [was there] the tree of life, which bare twelve [manner of] fruits, [and] yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree [were] for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 4 And they shall see his face; and his name [shall be] in their foreheads. 5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.” (Revelation 21:1-22:5 KJV)

Imagine Eternal Life in a place as glorious as a New Earth! Where everything is new and clean and righteous and perfect! It's not Heaven, folks, that we live eternal in...it's LIFE!

Share with us your thoughts as you reach for the deepness of concept in the words ETERNAL LIFE.

David "Bucker" Becker

John 17:1-26 (Hebrew/Greek) (Flesh)

2008-08-27T10:35:00.000-07:00

4561. Flesh - sarx sarx; probably from the base of 4563; flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul [or spirit], or as the symbol of what is external, or as the means of kindred), or (by implication) human nature (with its frailties [physically or morally] and passions), or (specifically) a human being (as such):— carnal(-ly, +- ly minded), flesh([-ly]).

You should also note that the Hebrew representation includes the "puenda" (the sexual organs) as part of the flesh representation...

01320. Flesh - basar baw-sawr’; from 01319; flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphem.) the pudenda of a man:— body, [fat, lean] flesh[-ed], kin, [man-]kind, + nakedness, self, skin.

In a nutshell...we're talking about the human nature, the worldly and carnal ways of mankind, and their sexual mannerisms, and their animalistic ways. We're talking about everything that goes into making man "natural." The "flesh" of man excludes the "spirit" of man; it is speaking of the worldliness, not the righteousness; it speaks of the profane and not the holy.

Our Scripture study says...

“As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.” (John 17:2 KJV)

So my question from last post continues to this one, with a little upgrade in focus...

Since God gives Jesus those who are to be saved into eternal life, how can Christ's power over all flesh benefit or lead the chosen to Him?

There is no doubt that the purpose Jesus has been given power over all flesh, is to establish contact with the chosen ones. How has this power been displayed, and what effects has it had?

Looking forward to your sharings.

David "Bucker" Becker

John 17:1-26 (Hebrew/Greek) (Power)

2008-08-22T08:49:00.000-07:00

Today, we're going to examine the word "Power" as it is expressed in John 17:2...

“As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.” (John 17:2 KJV)

First, let's examine the Greek meaning of the word used for this "Power"...

1849. exousia exousia ex-oo-see’-ah; from 1832 (in the sense of ability); privilege, i.e. (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence:— authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength.

You must be aware that there are several types of power spoken about in the Word of God. This "Power" speaks of the power emanating from the Right Hand of God. Who sits in Heaven at the right hand of God...Jesus, of course! Why does Jesus sit at the right hand of God...so he can wield the power of God through his right hand. This power as expressed by the Greek word "exousia" is typologically connected to the right hand, always.

It also must be known that this power is much more than power. Simple power in the world can be achieved by many ways including using special leadership abilities, blackmail, torture, monetary promises, political control or wicked intentions. But this type of power requires others to be attracted to one of these controls. In other words, power in this world can only be applied to those who are within the grasp or attracted to the philosophies or techniques of another.

That is not the case in the power of the LORD God and Jesus Christ. They have the ABILITY, AUTHORITY, STRENGTH, and JURISDICTION to apply their power upon their creation at their Will. It does not make any difference whether human beings accept them as their God and Savior or not; their power is absolute and forceful. They carry the biggest of sticks, and can apply pressure when They want.

Today, I want to examine the seemingly conflicting nature of verse 2. On one hand, it speaks of the power given to Jesus Christ to have authority over all "flesh," yet, he is limited to giving eternal life to only those God gives to him.

This conflict is profound. Why do you think that the LORD God gave Jesus power over everyone who lives, but limited him from giving eternal life to only those chosen by Him? Please discuss this conflict, and give your opinion of why this division is expressed. Specifically, address what meaning this verse 2 has for Christians and the world with concerns of salvation and purpose.

Boy...that sounded formal and difficult when I reread my lesson today. Let me put it in easier words...Why do you think that Jesus has power over all, but opportunity to save only a few?

Looking forward to your discussions!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 17:1-26 (Hebrew/Greek) (Father)

2008-08-22T08:47:00.000-07:00

Jesus did not pray this most intimate prayer in John 17:1-26 to the LORD God JEHOVAH. Jesus prayed to his "Father" and asked that his prayer be granted to him because of their relationship. Jesus was his son, and knew that he could come to his Father and ask, and that his Father would grant him his requests.

While the Greek word for Father reveals little depth...

3962. pathr pater pat-ayr’; apparently a primary word; a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote):— father, parent.

His use of the title "Father" means a great deal. Let's focus for a moment...

The LORD God has asked Jesus Christ to become the sacrificial lamb for His people. Jesus Christ is prepared to carry out the Will of God; yet, at the last moments of his life, he does not deal with God, but with his Father. How difficult that must have been in his soul. It seems to me, anyway, that doing something for the LORD God has a different feel to it than doing something for your Father in Heaven. In the case of the "LORD God," His power leads you to accomplish His Will without hesitation. In the case of the "Father" in Heaven, your love for Him moves you to do His will. One is about power, and one is about the intimate relationship of a loving Son and a loving Father.

I thought it would add to our study to explore this just a little bit further...Why did Jesus speak to the LORD God by addressing him "Father" in the most critical part of his life on earth? Were all of his prayers spoken with the intimacy of a prayer to His Father? Did Jesus ever come to God in prayer as a servant or a human? Using the examples of Christ, can we establish a way that we should come to the LORD God in prayer.

Intimately or Intimadatedly...that's the question. (That was kinda a fun play on words!)

Okay, class, let's look at the examples of prayer that Jesus spoke to his Father in the Gospels. Find the places where Jesus prayed, and let's see if these prayers always addressed God as Father in intimacy, or if there were times when they were more formal in nature.

I don't know the answer to this one...looking forward to the journey with you!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 17:1-26 (Hebrew/Greek) (Heaven)

2008-08-19T11:23:00.000-07:00

Okay class, it's time to go deep, deep, deep.

One of the most intriguing and deep discussions we have had to date concerning John 17:1-26 was the one where we tried to figure out exactly where Jesus was when he prayed this prayer recorded in John 17:1-26. Becca gave a persuasive argument that we must consider more than just the visible record of black-and-white Words, and that we must also weigh this scant evidence of location, with the more sure evidence of knowing Christ's nature. Becca suggested, and led me to believe also, that it is critical to balance our knowledge of Christ with our interpretation.

Today, we are going to go even deeper in that balance, as we begin to discover Christ and his relationship with His Father in prayer. Specifically, we're going to look at the times that Jesus spoke with his Father.

I want you to realize two things....

First, the Greek word that we define as Heaven is 3772. ouranos oo-ran-os’; perhaps from the same as 3735 (through the idea of elevation); the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specifically, the Gospel (Christianity):— air, heaven([-ly]), sky.

This definition makes it clear that it is speaking about our commonly thought views of Heaven, as being above us in location, and defined as the dwelling place of God. Thus, when we look up to the sky in prayer, our significant glance is toward God, as we look to Him to hear us in prayer.

The second important thing I want you to know is this...

The Greek word from Heaven is an extension of the word from Greek that means mountain. Oros is mountain, and Ouranos is Heaven.

3735. oros or’-os; probably from an obsolete orw oro (to rise or "rear"; perhaps akin to 142; compare 3733); a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain):— hill, mount(-ain).

Mountains are very, very important in the Word of God. Typologically speaking, when Jesus goes to the mountain, when we go to the mountain, we are going to the highest place spiritually that we can go, to get as close to the LORD God as is humanly possible.

I want you to explore the relationship of Mountains to the spiritually alive believers, and particularly Jesus Christ, in the next couple of days. This is what I want you to do...

I want you to search the times that Jesus went to the mountain and list the purpose, activities or results that derived from going to this place. Search the four Gospels, and see how many times you can find mountain links to Jesus, and list the ones you find. Once we get a group of Scriptures, we'll go on a little deeper and discuss the significance of what we have learned. In the end our goal is to figure out how that all connects to gives us more confidence of knowing where Jesus was when he spoke this prayer, and why knowing the location is so important to us.

Have a blast, and remember to thank God for leading us even deeper!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 17:1-26 (Word Meanings - Literal)

2008-08-15T07:20:00.001-07:00

Okay class...time to get back to work!

We're starting our deep journey into the meaning of the words. Today, we're going to examine the key nouns and any other important, significant word within John 17:1-26, and attach a literal meaning to it.

I don't want you to use your dictionaries, your thesaurus, or your Strong's. Look at each important word within our Scripture Study, and write a literal definition...one that you would commonly assume that word to mean. If you know the deeper things from our last study, and can connect a deeper literal meaning than before, then use the deepest you know (we never go backwards in our learning!)

Basically, we're looking to see what we think the words mean, then later, we will move on to our Strong's to see if we were right!

Happy study day!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 17:1-26 (Shifts/Pivots)

2008-08-12T07:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a powerful study for me. It reminded me of the days when I was first saved...when I could pick up a Bible without knowing anything...no theology and no memorized verses...and yet understand the Truth as His Spirit moved me. I remembered those days when His Word flowed through my faith with such a charge that it gave me a surety of belief in spite of my newness in the Christian walk.

We developed this inductive Bible Study to order and facilitate the deepest studies that we could muster on the Internet. Our "Connections" explorations did more than connect different verses together. It connected me once again to the emotional and faith side of things, and applied a little more balance to my present and future studies. We must always take care that we use both reason and emotion to study the Word of God. Without reason, we can never learn the Truth accurately; without emotion, and the Word of God becomes dry and dead. Both are required to go the deepest in His Word.

Today, we are going to examine Shifts/Pivots within John 17:1-26. These are places where the focus moves from one direction to another. We have already learned that it is often practiced technique in the Bible, and today, we are going to discover how Jesus used this in his prayer to the LORD God.

Okay, class...list the places where the focus shifted/pivoted in John 17:1-26.

See you in class!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 17:1-26 (Connections)

2008-08-09T12:17:00.000-07:00

Today, we're going to look at Jesus' prayer spoken in John 17:1-26 in context with the events that occurred during his passion week.

I suspect that this prayer might have been spoken during his deepest of prayers in the Garden of Gethsemane, right before his crucifixion. But then, if that were true, how did John hear these words and record them? Or was Jesus' prayer said at his Last Supper, after Judas had betrayed him?

Let's examine the events. You will notice in your peripheral studies that Biblical scholars handle this prayer by ignoring the circumstances. It's always safe when you don't know something for sure, to just don't speak of it.

However, if we can determine with some confidence one way or another, I suspect that these words can have deeper meaning. I have purposely avoided reaching a conclusion, so we can explore this one deeply together.

Okay, Class...let's examine the events prior to Christ saying this prayer in John, and the immediate events that followed in John. Then lets compare them to the same accounts in the other three Gospels...Matthew, Mark and Luke, and see if we can come to some reasonable conclusion of when this prayer was said.

Looking forward to the journey. We will take a couple days to explore this side of things.

David "Bucker" Becker

John 17:1-26 (Reflections)

2008-08-07T11:07:00.000-07:00

We had several different deep reflections in this last section of our Template.

We reflected upon the literal interpretation of the Word of God, and how even it is corrupted by man's false interpretations. We learned how important it was to listen closely to what is actually being said, and standing in defense of the true Word of God when false teachers pollute the message.

We also suffered some hard times these last couple of weeks, most through the attempted trickery of the devil. We looked at the problem, and discussed some responses that ensured we remained untouched by him, and most importantly, we upheld each other and shared our own troubles. That sharing gave each of us strength to both endure, and look outside ourselves to our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, to help them, relieving some of the pain which we were personally overwhelmed.

We considered the purpose of Jesus Christ; though many of you have yet to contemplate this issue, it is an important one that God wants us to think about. It is apparent that He wants us to know His Son in a deep, relationship way, and not as a one-note ticket to salvation.

When you consider these three things, and think about the deepness of each, and combine them together, it is easy to see God's hand in all of this. There is no doubt that God allowed the devil to play his pathetic games these two weeks to drive home a deeper message to all of us. God is teaching us the bad things around us...those of the devil's movement, those of the corruption of His Word, those of profane disregard for Christ and the resulting daily re-crucifixion of him to fit fallen man's convenience for demanding salvation.

If you were to assign a theme to these last couple weeks, it would be centered upon the wickedness that permeates our world, and the cross-over bleeding that is seeping into the spiritual lives of unaware Christians. Quickly, Christianity is being overcome by these things of evil, and most Christians aren't even seeing them happen.

The things we struggled with recently, and the teachings we have received, have straightened us each and prepared us to meet the difficult days that are to come. So even if we don't feel as "joyful" as usual, the lessons we have learned are relevant and wonderful, and will one day not only save us from the things of wicked control, but place us on platforms where we can lead others. We have learned alot.

Today, please reflect upon your learnings concerning the things of the past couple of weeks, and put them in some sort of context from your perspective.

David "Bucker" Becker

John 17:1-26 (Tone of Passage)

2008-08-06T16:39:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delayed lesson, class. My morning was tied up with a stranded Christian, and my afternoon has been tied up with me catching up with the things I should have done this morning!

You all did well in sharing your individual frustrations over this last week, and I think we got a pretty good grasp on how the devil can make us hurt ourselves, without laying a hand upon us. There is so much more that could be said on this topic, but us not saying those things kinda makes us above the wickedness...know what I mean? In the end, we know that God has our back, and our front, and our insides, and no dirty dog will touch us; and to top it all off, he has given us each a true Christian fellowship, where the members are looking after one another as they are moved by the Spirit. It doesn't get any better than that, folks! We are not only blessed, but the luckiest Christians in the world!

Today, lets examine the tone of the passage within John 17:1-26. It's easy to realize that Jesus is praying a deep prayer to his Father right before he faces some of the hardest times in his human life. Is there anyway we can get deeper into this situation, and feel the things that he might be feeling, by examining the tone of his words. What is being said deep inside Christ...what emotions are being revealed in between the lines...that he is sharing with us today? How can we take that tone of his prayer, and apply it to our spiritual understanding? What things can be helped in our own spiritual lives by knowing the depth of Christ's passion?

Looking forward to reading your thoughts!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 17:1-26 (Emotional Terms)

2008-08-04T08:39:00.000-07:00

Often in inductive type studies of the Bible, emotions are never considered. The emotional uses of words in Scripture are dissected to meaning, but usually never to emotion. Since emotion is subjective, its hard for Bible Teachers to get a group of students to be on the same level of understanding.

In our classroom, however, our different approaches are celebrated, and each perspective adds new depth to our learning experience. So where other groups of Christian struggle to come to agreement with everything, we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us honestly and we reflect those leadings in our personal sharings. One thing is for certain...a soldier, a grandma, a nurse, a preacher, a student...all of you are going to see different emotions, and feel different emotions as you read the Word of God.

If you take the time, however, to try to capture your emotions, and the emotions that are written within our study area, then you are adding a flavor, an aroma, a feeling to our study, and it becomes more alive. That is why I have added emotional terms/expressions to our Template.

Today, class, look for Emotional Terms within John 17:1-26. Don't neglect the emotional expression that is moved within you by His Spirit as you are studying His Word. Share these emotions with each other!

Looking forward to your sharings!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 17:1-26 (Actions/Roles of God, Christ, Man)

2008-08-02T10:59:00.000-07:00

We've skipped the next item on our template which was "Conditional Clauses" because I could not find any. These clauses are easily found by finding the word "if". Since there was none, we will move on.

Today, we are going to be looking for the Actions/Roles of God, Christ and Man. I've combined them all together, so as we are gathering data on one, we can apply it to the others also. There are two distinct places on your Template to record your findings. I think I need to add another category to the Template that addresses Christ's actions...what do you think?

Anyway, class, today lets find the different roles of God, Christ and man, and list them in a way that orders things in our minds.

You all continue to do a wonderful job! We are so blessed to have fellowship and study together. Last night I attended a dead Bible Study at a young Pastor's urging, and was reminded first-hand how blessed we are to have the "real deal." Not only was this Bible Study not a Bible Study, but rather a typical "I study", it also had worldliness and hints of wickedness in its midst.

I was horrified at both the nature of this Bible Study directed by apparently pretend Christians, and amazed at the same time as they extolled their study as the best they had ever known. The whole night was focused upon their individual roles within a church setting. While they discussed themselves, they bragged of their virtues. When they spoke of others, their hatred was apparent even through their social faces. It was absolutely a horrible experience, and I feel dirty today even being in their midst.

So today, I prepare to study my Bible with people in fellowship that I trust, led by Him to His deeper things. As I ponder the roles of God, Christ and Man, I am going to reflect upon the great opportunity each of us has been given to participate in this supernatural study of His. We are so blessed. I hope each of us always know that blessing!

Looking forward to your sharings!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 17:1-26 (Means)

2008-07-30T16:27:00.000-07:00

Means is the way, the method, something is accomplished. In the prayer of Jesus Christ, right before he goes to His crucifixion, he lists the things that he has accomplished, and his request for certain actions to be done by the LORD God. Examine each of these requests, purposes and results, and lists and see if you can find a specific way that Christ expects those things to come.

For instance, when Jesus "spake" to the LORD God --> "he lifted his eyes up to Heaven." He didn't pray with bowed head, or bowed body...for this prayer he looked up to Heaven. He accomplished speaking to God by looking up and praying...that is the means He used to deliver his requests to his Father.

Okay, class, look at John 17:1-26, and see if you can identify means with the different requests.

David "Bucker" Becker

John 17:1-26 (Purpose and Results)

2008-07-29T11:09:00.000-07:00

Purpose and Results are phrases or sentences that describe the reason or consequence of an action.

Words like "that," "in order that," and "so that" are often used, in most cases, right in the middle of purpose and results.

For sure, those that phrases that contained general to specific statements will also have a purpose/result characteristic to them. What I would like for you to look for, however, is those specific instances within John 17:1-26 where "that" is used, and identify the purpose and result that "that" defines.

Find the uses of the word "that" to find the purpose and results within John 17:1-26. Happy studies!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 17:1-26 (General and Specific)

2008-07-28T08:30:00.000-07:00

Often in the Word of God, general problems are addressed, followed by specific solution. Of a general principle will be stated first and then a specific example secondly. In fact, that is one of the most common ways that the Holy Spirit teaches each of us, as He starts with the general knowledge and moves us deeper and deeper into specific areas to learn. It is His Way.

Today, class, lets look and see if we can find any General to Specific teachings in John 17:1-26. I know within these group of Scripture that this concept might be difficult to find, however, searching for it will lead to new understanding, and worthy of your effort. It moves our attention away from the general study of word usage, to the more specific study of examining how the individual words are used to form sentences and paragraphs. From here on, we'll be narrowing our focus more and more, until the deep things of God begin to flow and teach us His new Things.

These Things should start moving soon! Our preparatory work is almost finished, and each of us are sensing the deeper learnings to come. Prepare your lives accordingly, and make sure you allow for some time to go on that journey with us in the next coming weeks!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 17:1-26 (Reflections)

2008-07-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

Whelp, we have finished our initial word study section to familiarize ourselves with the study. Today we get a little break, and get a chance to stand up and stretch, and prepare our minds and hearts to go deeper on the next section of paragraph examination.

As usual, at the end of each section, it's neat to hear your reflections on the things you are learning or struggling with at that time. As you share these thoughts, your classmates can measure their learnings with yours, as well as be motivated to continue on going deeper and deeper into His Word. It helps knowing that there are others that you trust taking that journey with you, as the Holy Spirit leads us all.

So, Class, today, let's just reflect on the first week of our study. Any surprises, any challenges, any excitements, any disappointments...share them all. The more you share, the more we will be ready to tackle the deeper stuff, starting tomorrow!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 17:1-26 (Pronouns)

2008-07-25T08:22:00.000-07:00

He, She, They, It, Them, Thou, and Thy are some examples of pronouns. Pronouns identify a speaker, listener, subject or participant without using their formal names.

One of the easiest words to identify, pronouns still can get tricky when we try to identify who is referred to by the pronoun. Like verbs, some KJV words are a little different from ours with the "thees" and "thous", and the sentence structure sometimes lends to a little confusion.

It is imperative that you know the identities to the pronouns if you are to make a balanced interpretation of Scripture.

Today, class, list all the pronouns you can find within John 17:1-26, and tell who each pronoun is identified with.

Happy hunting!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 17:1-26 (Verbs)

2008-07-23T09:49:00.000-07:00

Oh, the dreaded verbs. Some of us get it and some of us don't.

Verbs show action. Action is something that happens. Like "spake, lifted, come, glorify, given, etc.," these words show something that is being done, effected, accomplished, put in play, put in motion, moving. Verbs are fun.

They also show a time they are to happen. Verbs can be past, present and future also. (They can even be more, but we won't go that deep!)

The good thing about studying verbs in Scripture is it sets up the timing of things. Many times misinterpretations of the Bible happen when times get off. If we read our verbs correctly, we get the sense of God's Time, rather than making His Word conform to ours.

Find all the verbs in John 17:1-26, list them, and denote whether they are past, present or future.

Looking forward to your answers!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 17:1-26 (Cause and Effect)

2008-07-22T07:24:00.000-07:00

Before yesterday's study, I was a little discouraged. It seemed like our study was going so slow after ending our Philippians study with such a great moving of Spirit. If I remember back correctly, our Philippians study started slow, also, and increased in intensity as we moved forward. However, I'm so hungry to learn, and it just seemed so sloooooooooooooow. Until yesterday. Those lists started popping from each of you, and each of you did it in a different way. I felt that familiar excitement of a great study getting underway. Thank God for lists! :D

Today, we are going to find the "cause and effect" within our study Scriptures. Something was done, and then something happened....that's what we are looking for.

"-->" is the perfect symbol to use in this case.

Find the causes and effects in John 17:1-26. Make sure you look deeply at the order of words and try to find the connections, to catch all of the causes and effects.

Look forward to all of your contributions. Get to work!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 17:1-26 (Lists)

2008-07-20T09:08:00.000-07:00

Three or more words or ideas linked together make up a list. Surprisingly, there are usually more lists than one thinks upon first glance at Scripture. Often, we can start our journey into the deep study by realizing that what first looked like several unconnected ideas are actually a list of things that connect to the focus of that particular Scripture.

Your assignment today...Find any words or ideas that form a list in John 17:1-26.

You guys are doing good, solid Bible Study work; remember, the more you prepare, the more you will be rewarded with deep learnings later on in our study. Keep up the good works toward Him!

David "Bucker" Becker

Additional Teaching....

Hey all!

This was a tough one, huh?

I'm going to make it a little easier for you. John 17:1-26 is one big list...a list of the things Christ did and a list of the things Christ wants! So copy this Scripture in your post back, and highlight or color the words that are part of the list of the things Jesus did in one color, and things he wants in another color For instance...

“1 ¶ These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: 2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. 3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. 4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.”

“6 ¶ I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. 7 Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. 8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received [them], and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. 9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. 10 And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.”

“11 ¶ And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we [are]. 12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. 13 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.”

“17 ¶ Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.”

“20 ¶ Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.”

“24 ¶ Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. 26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare [it]: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.” (John 17:1-26 KJV)

Hope this helps!

David "Bucker" Becker

John 17:1-26 (Comparisons)

2008-07-19T07:49:00.000-07:00

You guys are doing great. The first part of this study, we are just trying to fill our head with the terminology and pattern of Scripture. Later on we will be able to discuss things deeply, and delve farther into His Word with the moving of the Spirit.

In fact, notice how in the first part of our study the Holy Spirit barely moves, if at all. The Holy Spirit usually does not start moving to teach until He usually has something to work with. So non-studying Christians can have a lifetime pass without the Holy Spirit TEACHING them anything. Of course, some life experience counts as study to Him, so in the normal course of life events, the Holy Spirit does sometimes use that to teach; however, those lessons can only be given after years of living....not hours.

So we're filling up our gas tanks for God right now. Preparing for the journey that is going to come once we get all this info into our minds. It is preparation for the deeper journey stage to come.

Today, we're going to look for comparisons in John 17:1-26. Comparisons are the exact opposite of Contrasts. Instead of putting a vs. between the ideas, we will be looking for connections that can have an = (equal sign) or the word "is" put between them.

Have a good time in your study today, and remember to thank Him for your learnings!

David "Bucker' Becker