Principles and applications in praying for others

John 17

• Jesus prays with eyes toward heaven. When I pray what is my focus on?
• Jesus praying for glory, in order he may glorify the Father. When I pray in my hour of need how will I glorify God? 
• Jesus was given authority over all people. When I pray, will I focus on the author and perfecter of our faith? Hebrews 12
• Jesus was granted authority to give eternal life to everyone given to him. If eternal life is knowing and abiding in God (John 15-16), how great is living under the authority of Jesus?

Studying the Gospel of John in  BSF this year has given me a new perspective on "the least of these" Jesus speaks about in Matthew 25. 

I've learned in serving my Father in Law after the stroke that faith grows daily. I've watched him go from crippled to walking, healing is a miracle and motion in medicine. While all this was happening I was studying John 12-13.

• Then Jesus cried out, "Whoever believes in Me does not believe in Me alone, but in the One who sent Me (John 12:44).
• Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever receives the one I send receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives the One who sent Me (John 13:20)."

John listened to our recommendations and accepted our help. Often in life we shy away from receiving love from others. Advanced Neurologic Therapy has been wonderful. "So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me (Philemon 1:17)."

I would thank God for John's healing every day with him. Now John started praying with us over meals. "You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 1:6)."

I've known for a long time that faith comes by hearing the message about Christ but over time I'm seeing that faith comes when we love people as though they are Christ. "and even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself (Galatians 4:14)"

“Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me (Matthew 10:40)."

"Whoever listens to you listens to Me; whoever rejects you rejects Me; and whoever rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me (Luke 10:16)."

Grateful to God for answered prayers. Salvation, mercy, loving kindness, faith, hope, and love. 

How Much Power Are You Using? | “Your Prayers” by Pastor Robert Morris | Gateway Church

God has deposited His power in us

Luke 24:49 NLT

49 “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”

Acts of the Apostles 1:8 NLT

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Ephesians 3:20 NKJV

20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,

We must release His power through prayer

John 7:37-39 NKJV

37 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

Daniel 10:2-3 NKJV

2 In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. 3 I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.

Daniel 10:12-13 NKJV

12 Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia.

God adds His fire (power) to our prayers

Revelation 5:8 NKJV

8 Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

Revelation 8:1-5 NKJV

1 When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets. 3 Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand. 5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake.

Luke 3:16 NKJV

16 John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Update from June this year. John's miracle healing reversing the stroke: John's miracle healing

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What does Believe mean? Faith comes by hearing the message about Christ

 John 14:1-14

Doing a word study on "Believe" found in these verses; John 14:1,10-12

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.

Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 

Dictionary says believe means;

• accept (something) as true; feel sure of the truth of. (be convinced by, trust, have confidence in, consider honest, consider truthful, regard as true, accept as true, accept, give credence to, credit, give credit to, put confidence in, count on, rely on, depend on, swallow)

The Bible has a lot to say about and these are the popular ones in vote order for believe;

Summary: To believe God means we have faith to draw near, seek, ask and receive eternal life, joy, peace, Holy Spirit hope, Lord Jesus salvation without seeing him.

Application: It only takes a moment to reach God in prayer, draw near to God and he will draw near to you.

• And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. - Hebrews 11:6 ESV 
• Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe (have faith) that you have received it, and it will be yours. - Mark 11:24, Matthew 21:22 ESV 
• “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16 ESV 
• May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. - Romans 15:13 ESV
• And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” - Acts 16:31 ESV
• Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” - John 20:29 ESV

Genesis 15:6 - Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

• Romans 4:3, 20-24 explains this: "What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness...Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.

Isaiah 53:1 - Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

• Romans 10:3-4,9-11 explains this: Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes...If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”

Jonah 3:5 - The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth (repented).

• Matthew 12:38-39, 16:14 Jesus explains the sign of Jonah: One day some teachers of religious law and Pharisees came to Jesus and said, “Teacher, we want you to show us a miraculous sign to prove your authority.” But Jesus replied, “Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign; but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah... Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign, but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah.” Then Jesus left them and went away. 

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When Jesus writes his word in our heart, it produces obedient faith (John 8)

 This week we studied John 8, previously I had the following insights:

Jesus exposes sin teaching freedom believing his light and truth

AIM: Sin and death is overcome by disciples of Jesus

A) Jesus teaches all have sinned with the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11)

B) Jesus teaches about light of life and freedom of obedience to him 

(John 8:12-32)

C) Jesus clarifies slavery to sin, that Abraham rejoiced in God's promise fulfilled in Jesus (John 8:33-59)

Principle: Truth that sets you free progresses from obedient faith

In my BSF discussion group yesterday we talked about Jesus writing on the ground.

John 8:8 (clear word)

Same finger writing judgement in Daniel 5:5-6) "Suddenly, they saw the fingers of a human hand writing on the plaster wall of the king’s palace, near the lampstand. The king himself saw the hand as it wrote, and his face turned pale with fright. His knees knocked together in fear and his legs gave way beneath him."

John 8:31-32 (discipleship)

John 10:9-21, people continue to be divided - either Jesus is the devil or he's God. Read this, what do you think? 

Principle: Truth that sets you free progresses from obedient faith

John 8:42-43 (love)

Do your thoughts and attitude bring you into Love for God? If you love God and seek to do his will you naturally come to Jesus. This is what it means to be drawn to Jesus by his father. 

John 8:47 (belonging)

We get to see the Kingdom of God and know him at the very center of our lives. Our spirit testifies with His Spirit that we are sons and daughters of the most high God. 

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Communion, the body and blood and the weekend (Psalm 23, John 13-21, Exodus 12)

I love seeing connection between the old and new covenants. Psalm 23 in light of the cross. 

Upper room Surrounded (fight my battles) 

"There's a table you prepared for me, in the presence of my enemy. It's your body and the blood you shed for me, this is how I fight my battle. 

And I believe You've overcome. And I will lift my song of praise for what You've done. This is how I fight my battles. This is how.

In the valley, I know your with me. And surely your goodness and mercy follow me. So my weapons are praise and thanksgiving. This is how I fight my battle. 

And I believe You've overcome. And I will lift my song of praise for what You've done. This is how I fight my battles. This is how. 

Jesus, calling on your name is how I fight.  

It may look like I'm surrounded but I'm surrounded by you...My victory's in Jesus Name, My victory was on that third day.  

I'm starting to see, the darkness around me is just the shadow of your wings..." Ps 91:1

I'm studying John 6 for the last few weeks where Jesus declares he is the Bread of Life after feeding 5,000 and walking on water in John 5. Miracles are provided by God to point us to his messengers we see this with Moses and Jesus. 

Years ago a friend was making fun of Christians because we worship "the blood God." and I thought that's true. Blood of living, breathing, emotional, conscious and thoughtful people renews us day by day. We can donate blood every week we live without depleting our internal supply. This is a picture of ministry. 

Blood of the Covenant

for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many. Matthew 26:28, Mark 14:24

After supper he took another cup of wine and said, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you. Luke 22:20

Why Churches do communion every week:

So Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you cannot have eternal life within you. But anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise that person at the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. John 6:53-56

The Body of Christ

Bread and wine at the last Supper/Passover meal (Matthew 26:17-30)

Why you don't work on Saturday and Sunday:

“This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord—a lasting ordinance. For seven days you are to eat bread made without yeast. On the first day (Sunday) remove the yeast from your houses, for whoever eats anything with yeast in it from the first day through the seventh must be cut off from Israel. On the first day hold a sacred assembly (Sunday - Resurrection), and another one on the seventh day (Saturday - Sabbath). Do no work at all on these days, except to prepare food for everyone to eat; that is all you may do. Exodus 12:14-16

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Leave your jar behind and pick up your mat and walk

I'm enjoying this season of ministry with BSF Gospel of John, SALT, Alpha at MNTC Portland with family. I've enjoyed talking with friends about struggles and insurmountable situations. We pray about it and see God make miraculous provisions. This week we're studying John 6:22-40 where Jesus gives the first of seven "I am" statements. 

I am the …

1. Bread of Life (or Living Bread), John 6:35, 48, 51
2. Light of the World, John  8:12; 9:5
3. Gate (or Door) for the Sheep, John 10:7, 9
4. Good Shepherd, John 10:11, 14
5. Resurrection and the Life, John 11:25
6. Way, the Truth, and the Life, John 14:6
7. Vine, John 15:1, 5

Treasure from the past: 

• Bread from Heaven - More than Words
• This is the bread of my affliction, this is my body

• Crowds don't understand Jesus is the Bread of Life
• Jesus the Bread from Heaven, offered to all offensive to most
• Humbly Grateful Or Grumbly Hateful

I'm convicted this year to "leave my jar behind" as the woman at the well did. John 3:28-29: The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” 

How long will I struggle with trauma and attitudes of the past? Thirty-eight years ago I was 11 years old and first introduced to porn. I was talking with a friend this week about how alcohol dulls our minds and can lead us into temptations. Sometime we need to let go of some things to help us break free from other things. And sometimes we just need ears that hear Jesus and a heart that understands. 

John 5:5-6,8-9 One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?”...Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!”

Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking! But this miracle happened on the Sabbath, 

It really is that simple. Would you like to get well? We all have excuses but the command from Jesus is to STAND UP. We see this further illustrated in Ephesians, which tells us we have been given every spiritual blessing in order to STAND.

Eph 1:3, 6:11,13-14 

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ...Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil...Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.

This Friday at Alpha we're learning "How can I resist evil?", I love how God brings two ministry initiatives together. Praise the Lord. 

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Grace is God’s Lavish Blessings to the Undeserving

Enjoying BSFonline this year, studying the Gospel of John. In John 1-4:30 we learned about God the Son, Faith, Regeneration, Salvation and Redemption and now we see Grace in John 4:31-54. 

Doctrine matters. The five solas of the Reformation, which distinguished the Reformers from the teachings of Rome, include sola scriptura (Scripture alone), solus Christus (Christ alone), sola fide (faith alone), sola gratia (grace alone), and soli Deo gloria (glory to God alone).

Jesus demonstrated God’s grace by teaching His disciples, by seeing Samaritans come to faith, and by drawing the royal official to saving faith and healing his son. Jesus reached out to needy people in a way that revealed His gracious pursuit of human hearts.

 I. Jesus taught His disciples about the spiritual harvest. (John 4:31-38)

• There is nothing more satisfying than doing God’s will.
• In what ways have you found following God’s will to be deeply satisfying?

 II. Many Samaritans believed in Jesus. (John 4:39-42)

• God is calling you to invest in His harvest.
• How does your testimony reveal God’s work in a way that can impact others?

III. Jesus healed a royal official’s son and his household believed. (John 4:43-54)

• God works through desperate situations to challenge our focus and build our faith.
• What pressing need will you bring directly to Jesus?

1. Common grace: The woman at the well was thirsty (John 4:1-30), "Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life" (Rev 22:17).

The general principles of common grace are evident throughout Scripture (e.g., Ps. 145:9; Ezek. 18:23; 33:11; Rom. 2:4; Acts 14:16–17; 1 Tim. 4:10). The Lord Jesus taught one aspect of this doctrine when He appealed to God’s goodness in sending rain and making the sun shine on the righteous and the wicked alike (Matt. 5:44–45; Luke 6:35–36). The restraint of sin and evil is a particular work of God’s common grace. God reveals that He has kept men from sinning against Him (e.g., Gen. 20:6), but this restraint has limits, for there are times when the Lord ceases to continue His former restraint of sinners (e.g., Gen. 6:3; Ps. 81:11–12; Acts 7:42; Rom. 1:24–28; 2 Thess. 2:6–7). Common grace also enables the unregenerate to pursue virtue in their external and civic relations (Luke 6:33; Rom. 2:14). - https://www.ligonier.org/

2. Grace in salvation: Romans 3:21-24; Ephesians 2:8-9; 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 2:11

We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. - Romans 3:21-24

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. - Ephesians 2:8-9

For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. - 2 Timothy 1:9

For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. - Titus 2:11

3. Salvation cannot be earned: Romans 4:1-8

Abraham was, humanly speaking, the founder of our Jewish nation. What did he discover about being made right with God? If his good deeds had made him acceptable to God, he would have had something to boast about. But that was not God’s way. For the Scriptures tell us, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” - Gen 15:6

When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it:

“Oh, what joy for those  whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin.” - Ps 32:1-2

4. Sustaining grace: John 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:10; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Hebrews 4:16; 2 Peter 3:18

From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. John 1:16

But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace. 1 Corinthians 15:19

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 2 Cor 12:9

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Heb 4:16

Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen. 2 Peter 3:18

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John's gospel gives an insiders view of Jesus

As I look forward to the BSF John Study this year I was thinking of the popular verses that come from John. John 3:16, John 14:6, John 13:35, John 17:17, John 15:5. The good news about Jesus and a new way of life - a life of love and joy. Stories about people who are like us being changed by an encounter with Jesus. John's gospel only has two miracles in common with Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The feeding of the 5,000 and the resurrection. I love the promise in John 14:12, "I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father."

Jesus goes on to explain the "trinity" nature of God:

You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!

“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you. Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”

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