In this chapter, Paul continues to address issues in the church of Corinth that he had heard were causing division and poor testimony.  He specifically discusses head coverings for women and the Lord's Supper, but his goal is to help Christians understand the importance of showing submission to the authority of God and proper reverence for Christ, his Son. 

“But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God."(v3). Paul lays out the hierarchy of authority God intended for believers to submit to.  God, then Christ, then man, then woman. In Bible days and all the way up to the 19th century, married women kept their hair covered as a sign of the husband being in authority over them. This is no longer a cultural norm but there is still an expectation that believers submit to authority. As women, we are to let God be sovereign over our lives and respect our husbands as the leaders of our family. 

Just today I was listening to Susie Larson speak and she made the comment "You have no authority unless you are under authority".  She went on to say that Satan tries to get us to disrespect God's authority through our unbelief and independence and how that cripples us.  But, when we get back in rank, God can empower us in our Spiritual walk. 

Paul points out that God has designated roles for men and women.  He also points out that in God's eyes, men and women both are equally valuable and interdependent. “Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God.” (11-12). The roles God designed for men and women should promote love, harmony, and serve to honor Him. 

During the final 1/2 of this chapter Paul scrutinizes the behaviors of the church when they assembled together, especially when observing the Lord's Supper.  He describes a sort of free for all where reverence for what the Lord's Supper represented had been lost. Instead of focusing on self examination and what Christ gave in sacrificing his body, the supper observance had become a type of  "Happy Hour".  “Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.”(27-28)
Worshiping God involves being honest with God and allowing God to purge the deepest, darkest places within us.

Even today, we have to be careful to preserve true worship for that is what we were created for...to worship the one true God.  Church is meant to be a place of social interaction but not at the expense of shutting out God. We have to be careful to show reverence to God, reverence to Christ and respect to each other as part of His body.  It's easy to become complacent and lose focus. God is not honored by our presence in a place of worship if our heart is not in a state of worship. We must be diligent to maintain a heart of worship and praise. 

By Becky Bramlett Austin

Paul opens this chapter with a thought provoking question for the church of Corinth. “When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints?” (v 1). Paul is obviously concerned about how this church represents Christ to the unbelieving world.  In this Greek city, judges often sat in public places to hear cases and disputes. Paul was appalled that the church did not choose to settle disputes among believers but instead, were putting their grievances against each other on display. 

There are varying opinions today about if Christians should sue others or take disputes against others to court. I think that such important steps should be taken only with careful consideration and prayer to discern God's will. I do, however wish to comment about how wonderful it has been for me personally to seek the assistance of pastors and counselors in the church. 13 years ago my husband and I were separated, living in different towns and divorce papers were sitting in the lawyers office. We had tried counseling a few times with secular counselors and I truly think it just made our circumstances more difficult to resolve.   Our pastor referred us to a Christian counselor and that made all the difference. We were able to refocus our marriage on Christ and just this year celebrated 25 years of marriage. God used that crisis in our lives to glorify Christ. Christian counseling has been invaluable to me on several other occasions as well.

It makes sense that the body of Christ should be equipped to help believers with conflicts, and relationship challenges. Paul asks a 2nd question. 

Paul reminds us of how special we are in God's eyes.  How He takes our sinful condition and transforms us:

“..But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." (v11)

WASHED: Isaiah 1:18

"Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool.

SANCTIFIED: Colossians 1:21-22

And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach--

JUSTIFIED: 2 Cor 5:21

21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (KJV)

We represent God to a lost world.  The lifestyle choices we make tell the world about Christ.  How we deal with our differences and disputes also tell the world about Christ.  The world is self- seeking and focused on " my rights". As His body, the church should be well equipped to offer help and counseling. Even when faced with difficulties and injustices,  our focus should be "serving Christ, serving each other".

By Becky Bramlett Austin

Corinth was a busy Greek city that controlled the 2 major trade harbors between Rome and Asia. It was a place of many Greek and Roman cults. There was the famous temple of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, which trafficked prostitutes.  There was the cult of the Egyptian goddess "Isis" which valued worldly "wisdom" and the cult of Mithras which valued "mystery".  The church of Corinth was home to many Greeks and Gentiles who were surrounded by immoral lifestyles and pagan beliefs.  As young believers, Paul encouraged this important church but he also addressed its potential weaknesses.  

The first concern Paul had was about the reports of argument and division in the church of Corinth.  Many were focusing on trite things like what faction they followed, such as Paul's or Apollo's teachings.  Paul immediately tries to refocus them on one thing: their unity in Christ.  “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment." (V10) Division is one of Satan's favorite tools and that's why we have to seek common ground by focusing on Christ and letting Christ be Lord over all circumstances and relationships.

Paul reminds this church at Corinth to really understand the value of what they have.  They are surrounded by worldly minds seeking wisdom, power and enlightenment but these minds fail to recognize the true power, wisdom, and enlightenment given to those who believe in the resurrected Christ. “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (v18) And then Paul asks: "Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?” (v20)

Don't you think the same holds true today? This is the Information Age, where so much knowledge is at our fingertips, and yet most do not comprehend the greatest knowledge we can gain is the knowledge of our deepest need and desire, our need for Christ. 

And then Paul concludes this chapter with statements that should humble us and honor us at the same time.  Humble us because we are reminded that we don't really have much to offer the all powerful God, and yet, honor us because God chose us and transforms us to bring Him glory. “For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.” (v 26-29)

What an amazing God we serve, full of love and wisdom, gladly imparting it to us as we trust and depend on Him. 

By Becky Austin

By Becky Bramlett Austin

In this 2nd chapter of Romans, Paul really packs a punch.  He asks some heart probing questions that are very relevant today.  His opening statements are aimed to get us to take a hard look at ourselves, especially when we are passing judgement on others. 

“Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.” (V1)

Have you ever heard the saying " When you point a finger at another, you have 3 pointing back at you."?  

God wants us to realize that we are all equally guilty.  Knowledge of God's Word should not cause us to point fingers of condemnation at others but rather, cause us to be very grateful for the grace he offered through Jesus that allows us to be forgiven and made righteous. 

“Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” (V 3-4) 

Matthew Henry's comments: What method God takes to bring sinners to repentance. He leads them, not drives them like beasts, allures them; and it is goodness that leads, bands of love. The consideration of the goodness of God, his common goodness to all, should be effectual to bring us all to repentance". 

Next Paul talks about the Law and how it is not enough to be knowledgeable of the Law by studying the scripture.  What truly matters is how well we exercise and apply the Law. “For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.” (V13)  As for those who lack the formal teaching, God expects that there is a basic moral understanding of right and wrong that should prick the conscience of all men. “They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them." ( v15). As for those who outwardly and publicly put  on a good show, Paul says God is not fooled for there will come a day when " God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus". (v16)

I'm sure you've heard the common saying that "actions speak louder than words"  and that the most effective teacher teaches through example. Paul emphasizes these concepts as well: “you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal?” (v21) He goes on to give other examples meant to probe us to think about if our knowledge is put into practice. God does not want us to be all talk and boasting without a true lived out change of heart. 

Did these questions and teachings of Paul cause you to look at yourself in the mirror?  Did you look deeper than just the outward reflection?  Did you look where God looks...deep into the inner places of your heart?  Ask yourself: Is my heart self- seeking and people pleasing or is my heart dedicated to God?

By Becky Bramlett Austin

As I read and researched Chapter 25, I found several great questions to consider.

1. Does God orchestrate the details of our lives? 

The Jewish leaders are bloodthirsty and decide to appeal again to the successor of Felix to accuse Paul.  They request a favor of the new ruler, Festus, claiming that Paul has committed crimes that the Jewish Council wants Paul to stand trial for in Jerusalem. Their secret plan, however is to ambush and kill Paul as he is being moved to Jerusalem. Festus, however, frustrates their plans by saying Paul will remain in Caesarea and the Jews can travel there to make a case against him.  The Jews plead their case which has no real evidence or substance. Festus could have thrown out the case then and there or he could have decided to order Paul to go to Jerusalem.  Instead, he puts some choice in Paul's hand: “But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?”” (V9) Paul exercises his right as a Roman citizen to stand trial before Caesar.  This will keep Paul safe from the plots of the Jews to kill him and will also place him in Rome. Do you remember what God told Paul in Chapter 23? 

“The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.””(v11) It's interesting to see how the circumstances played out. The Jews meant evil but God used their schemes to send Paul to Rome - right where He wanted him to be.

2. Who's really on trial here?

Just like when Jesus stood trial, the Roman ruler found no crime committed, no charge worthy of death.  He listened to Paul's testimony about Jesus but didn't really understand Jewish beliefs or customs and he asked the visiting King Agrippa and his sister Berniece to help him have better understanding and ability to put in writing to Caesar what Paul was being sent to Rome to be tried for. King Agrippa came from a lineage of evil kings. His great-grandfather had tried to kill Jesus as a baby; his grandfather had John the Baptist beheaded; his father had martyred the first apostle, James.  Berniece was his sister and there were many rumors that the two were involved in an incestuous relationship. King Agrippa had no jurisdiction there and Paul's appearance before him became more of a hearing than a trial.  But on a spiritual level, there was still a trial taking place for Paul's testimony of Jesus would be knowledge that Festus, Agrippa and Berniece would be accountable for in terms of their own soul before God. 

3. Do I trust God's Plan?

Sometimes circumstances seems to be working against us.  Sometimes it's hard to understand why we face various trials in our lives. It can be very distressing when others accuse or oppose us and it can be depressing to feel imprisoned by our limitations and hardships. Am I tempted to make my own path when the way seems too dark, too tortuous, too strenuous, too confusing? Do I have the faith and fortitude to trust that God is navigating and leading me in the path he wants me to travel? 

What about you?  Do you find it hard to trust God's plan for your life?

By Becky Bramlett Austin

Paul has seen many trials and harsh treatments but he continues his travels to Macedonia and Greece.  We are told that he spent considerable time preaching and encouraging.  At one of his late night events, a young boy named Eutychus crawls up in a window, falls asleep and plummets 3 stories to his death. That surely brought the meeting to a standstill as the tragedy would have been a very upsetting event. “But Paul went down and bent over him, and taking him in his arms, said, “Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him.”” (V10) The boy's life is restored and Paul is undeterred in continuing to fellowship with and encourage those around him.  In fact, the meeting continues until daybreak. And then Paul departed to continue his travels.

How wonderful it must have been to be at one of those events where the apostle Paul, who had seen the risen Savior firsthand, was present to teach and edify. I imagine the stories of his trials and the persevering dedication he exemplified served to keep his name a topic of many conversations. He was greatly loved and admired and he was also greatly despised and hated. But no matter how many plots or misfortunes, Paul remained focused as he told the elders at Ephesus on his primary purpose: “testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (V 21)

Paul knows that he is getting ready to go into the heat of the battle and yet he is resolved to willingly trust the outcomes to God, no matter the cost. “And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” (V 22-24)

Many tears are shed as Paul informs this church at Ephesus that they will never see his face again.  His final words are to encourage them to persevere and remain faithful.  

“Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.” (V28-31)

These final words to the elders hold relevance for the church today. Each of us can continue today in being alert and ministering to each other. Paul set an example during his life of prioritizing spiritual riches and rewards over worldly gain. He lived to serve and bless others.  He reminds us “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”” (v35)

Are you encouraged by the example of Paul as he endured trials and sought to spread the Good News of Christ to as many as he could encounter. Are you encouraged to trust the outcomes of your life to God and go where his Spirit leads you, no matter the cost? Are you focused like Paul on finishing the course and encouraging others to do the same? 

By Becky Bramlett Austin

The church is growing and the numbers of Gentiles being added are growing too.  There are some communities that Paul and Barnabas visit where new believers include Jews and Gentiles communing together.  A group of Jewish believers known as "Judaizers" began to teach that the Gentiles must first observe Jewish Law to be eligible for salvation, with particular emphasis on circumcision. In essence, they were declaring that a mixture of grace and law (or works) was necessary for God's acceptance.  Paul and Barnabas disagree, teaching salvation is by grace alone.  What an important matter for that time and for our time as well because this is no casual differing of opinion about religious beliefs but a disagreement about what determines the salvation of our souls. 

The matter is deemed so important that the church sends Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem for discussion with the apostles and elders. When they reach Jerusalem debate continues among the elders because some of them were Pharisees who held similar beliefs to the Judaizers. But Peter, who had been shown by God that the Gentiles were to receive salvation through faith in Christ gave a powerful account for giving the Gentiles equality based on God's saving grace alone.

“Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”” (7-11)

Peter bears witness to the simplicity and the all inclusive acceptance in God's plan of salvation based on faith in Christ and amazingly the people embrace and respect this view. 

“And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles." (12) And then James provides further reassurance by quoting Scripture of old that foreshadowed God's acceptance of the Gentiles.  And then he proposed only asking the Gentiles to abstain from “what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality." He was not trying to place conditions for salvation on them but trying to improve relations in these mixed communities of Jewish and Gentile believers.  All 4 of these things were part of the Gentile culture of pagan idolatry.  These practices were very offensive to Jews.  By abstaining from these things, it would help the Gentiles make a clean break from pagan practices and improve relations with their fellow Jewish believers.

And then a decision was made to send 2 men back to Antioch with a letter. “So when they were sent off, they went down to Antioch, and having gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter. And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words." (30-32)

What a beautiful display of the Holy Spirit working within a divided church body to bring about unity, encouragement and most importantly, glory to God. Satan longs to use the growing pains of a church to foster disagreement, to place ungodly restrictions, and to confuse and discourage its believers. But clearly, God can help those who sincerely seek answers and truth to come together in purpose and mindset. 

By Becky Bramlett Austin 

“but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.” (v35)

Did you realize that Christ changed all of that?  Did you realize that man's acceptance of Christ as Lord of his life is the pivotal standard that fulfills all the prior customs and teachings of the Law?  Did you realize that you are a Gentile who under the Law would have been excluded and considered "unclean" by Jewish standards? Did you realize that Cornelius represents you? By God opening salvation through Christ to the Gentile nation, it became possible for you and I to become part of his "chosen people" too.  So this story of Cornelius and Peter becomes "our story" to celebrate! 

Peter explains the Gospel to Cornelius and Cornelius understands the salvation plan God lovingly and sacrificially made possible through Christ.  “And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”” (V42-43). And God bestowed the gift of the Holy Spirit to the Gentile believers  which has continued to this day. 

What a blessing that Christ broke down the barriers of sin as well as the barriers of separation between men?  Christ came to help us see past our differences and embrace each other as a unified family in Him. 

By Becky Bramlett Austin 

At the end of Chapter 4 there is a beautiful picture of a unified church spirit, "where the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.” (4:32)

There were cheerful, generous givers who sold their property and gave all of he proceeds to God.  Because of this generosity and community spirit, "there was not a needy one among them". 

The church was young and empowered by the Holy Spirit, but as in any church, Satan was present as well to twist and corrupt through those who would be influenced by selfish motive. Ananias and his wife Sapphira , also chose to sell their property but they pretended that they were generously donating the full proceeds as others had done.  They wanted the recognition of being faithful Christians within the church, but they agreed together to be deceptive and not disclose that they kept some of the money. 

Peter confronted Ananias making it clear that the sin was not in keeping the money because he was not obligated to give it.  The sin was in the deception and was against God directly. “But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God (5:3-4) Ananias and Sapphira  both died that day and it certainly got the attention of those who heard about it. 

I think that God wanted to establish through this example that he weighed the true motives of the heart and would not be mocked. He wanted this young church to remain pure of heart and purpose and he wanted to empower them to reach others through boldness of the proclaimed message of Christ as well as exemplifying Christ in deed and purpose. Verses 12-16 tell us that the apostles did many signs and wonders, including miraculous healings.  They were held in high esteem and many numbers were added to this growing church. 

The remainder of this chapter gives an amazing account of the apostles being imprisoned and God's intervention.“But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.”” (19-20). When God wanted his Word proclaimed, Satan was powerless to stop it. 

When the disciples were charged by the religious leaders for teaching about Christ, they answered  “We must obey God rather than men.” (29)  What a contrast to the selfish disregard of God that we saw in Ananias and Sophia. The apostles were 100% dedicated to God and his will, even willing to suffer to bring others to Christ. They were not looking for earthly gain but eternal gain. Just as in this early stage of the church, God is wanting to empower us to proclaim the Word and to exemplify Christ to the world.  He wants our 100% dedication, and he wants us to honor Him in what we do by having the right motives and being genuinely concerned about others.

In examining our motives I found these great questions from GotQuestions.org. ( The article also includes great verses for further study about motives: https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-motives.html. )

2. If there was no visible payoff for doing this, would I still do it?

3. Would I joyfully take a lesser position if God asked me to?

4. Am I doing this for the praise of others or how it makes me feel?

5. If I had to suffer for continuing what God has called me to do, would I continue?

6. If others misunderstand or criticize my actions, will I stop?

7. If those whom I am serving never show gratitude or repay me in any way, will I still do it?

8. Do I judge my success or failure based upon my faithfulness to what God has asked me to do, or how I compare with others.

By Becky Austin Bramlett

In the first part of this chapter, the resurrected Jesus appears to 7 of the disciples, which is the 3rd such appearing.   The disciples have been fishing through the night but have not caught any fish.  They are frustrated, tired and hungry.  Jesus calls to them tenderly, "Children, do you have any fish?"  He instructs them to cast their nets on the right side of the boat and they are rewarded with so many fish that the net can hardly contain them. When they realize it is Jesus, they hasten to shore to find him waiting with a fire, some fish and bread. He asks them to bring some of their fish to prepare also.

As they finish breakfast, Jesus has a very intimate and heart seeking conversation with Peter. 

We are the disciples of Jesus, his ambassadors on Earth.  Each new dawn we get opportunity to commune with Jesus.  Jesus longs to meet with us at the start of our day, provide nourishment through his Word, talk with us through prayer, and send us out into the world to make a difference. He is the God of new beginnings.  Shake the dust of yesterday off of your feet and start today fresh and empowered. 

Verses to reflect on:

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘“The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him’” (Lamentations 3:22-24).

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:18-19).

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

“He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him” (Psalm 40:3). 

Hope you start your day having breakfast with Jesus! 

By Becky Bramlett Austin

We live in America, land of the free.  There is a church on almost every corner and we don't have to be afraid to declare our belief in Christ, read our Bibles or pray openly for one another.  We can freely meet together in church buildings, in each other's homes and even wear T- shirts, etc. that have printed scriptures on them or Christian symbols. We don't really know true persecution in this country for being a Christian, but that could change. In fact, Jesus put a lot of emphasis on warning the disciples that they could expect persecution because they believed in him.  As a believer in Christ, we must be prepared to face persecution too. The Bible portrays this persecution but it also portrays that we have God's help should we have to endure such trying circumstances.

Jesus reveals the source of persecution.  In Bible times, there would be rejection from the spiritual leaders who were zealous in their actions because they believed their hate was justified. Their hate, however,  would be a hate toward Jesus fueled by Satan and his deceptions.  They would in essence reject the love of God and fail to recognize their need of Jesus to save them from their sins.  Without the love of God in their hearts, their hatred toward the followers of Christ would be just as vindictive. 

“They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me.”  (V2-3) It's sad that they think they serve God ( characterized by love) but in reality they are serving the Prince of Darkness ( characterized by hate).  No wonder Jesus pitied them.
So, the source of the persecution is in the spiritual realm, fueled by the "Prince of Darkness", the source of lies and hate. But, Jesus reveals that his followers will have spiritual help to endure this persecution. Jesus returns to the Father but the Holy Spirit is sent to Earth to indwell and empower us. “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” (V7) 

The Holy Spirit has an important role. “And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:” (v8) This Spirit, in opposition to the spirit of darkness will be a spirit of light and truth, teaching and equipping us for spiritual battle. “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you." (V13-14)

It amazes me to study about the changes in the disciples when the Holy Spirit came. In Acts 1:8 Jesus said, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”  What an amazing transformation from timid, fearful men in hiding to bold proclaimers of the gospel in spite of persecution.  Many of these disciples as well as other Christians in the Bible died as martyrs. 

It's not pleasant to deal with living in a world of evil and persecution but it's a reality that Jesus said we have to face and something he wants us to keep a spiritual view of. Interestingly, Jesus even placed a positive  perspective on persecution when he included it in the Beatitudes: BLESSED are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12) And in our reading today, he encouraged his disciples to focus on his return and a time when there would  be no more suffering or hatred but an abundant, never ending grace  He encouraged us all to remember that he has already overcome evil and to find comfort and hope in him.  

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”” (V33)

Honestly, persecution is not something I want to know.  But, I hope that if that circumstance comes my way, that I will embrace it with the same spiritual power and fortitude that the disciples had. I hope that I will keep an eternal perspective and not compromise my faith in a loving, all powerful God.  Oh, how this topic stirs within me a deep burning desire to be more consistent in my prayers for this country and the freedoms we so richly enjoy.

By Becky Bramlett Austin

The story of Lazarus reveals such a tender portrayal of Jesus.  It shows us a Jesus who connects with us in our struggles, hardships, and grief.  It also reveals that even our difficult experiences serve a divine purpose meant to glorify God.   “But when Jesus heard it (that Lazarus was ill) he said“This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it." (V4) It's not an easy thing to accept when illness afflicts or tragedy strikes but even our difficult times should be embraced with a desire to see God glorified.  This is not a perfect world and we are not immune to suffering just because we are God's children but how we react to our suffering is always an opportunity for others to see God as the source of our strength.

The following 2 verses seem strange and contradictory:

Even though Jesus knew that he would raise Lazarus back to life, he was still deeply affected by the sorrow and sadness of those who mourned.  In fact, he also wept.  God is not insensitive and unconcerned about our sorrows and concerns.  In fact, in Rev 4 we are told that when Jesus returns that " He will wipe every tear from their eyes.  There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."  

Could you imagine being at the entrance of that tomb expecting only death's foul stench to overwhelm you? Martha was certainly concerned.   “Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?"" (V40).  How powerful our belief can be.  When we trust In God- trust His timing, trust his love and concern for us, trust his sovereign control over all circumstances, and trust that he can negate the destructive decay of death and sin, then we get to see....His power, His glory, His compassion, His mercy, and grace. 

Could you imagine Jesus calling " Lazarus come forth".   How amazing and joyous it must have been to see a dead man walk out of that tomb into the daylight.  Spiritually, we are all sealed in a tomb of death and Jesus calls our name too.  He died to free us from the power of death and He calls us out of that dark tomb into the light of eternal life. Have you heard that call from Jesus?  Have you chosen new life?  Do you know Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life?

By Becky  Bramlett Austin

They watched Jesus multiply food to feed the masses.  They pondered how he joined the disciples on the sea without a boat.  They marveled at him and they sought him but only for what he could give them in a material sense. And Jesus knew that they were hungry but not for what would satisfy the deepest longings of their heart.  “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.” (V26) 

Then Jesus begins to converse with them about spiritual hunger. “Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” (V27)  Then they ask him a very important question and they get a very simple, clear answer.  “Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”" (V 28-29)

This seems so simple and it encompasses the Gospel, the Good News of God to man.  Why was it so hard for them to understand? It was hard because of man's sinful nature.  Humankind is so enslaved to its nature it doesn't even recognize its own prison. In order for man to seek salvation, he must become aware that he needs salvation.  He must become teachable and receptive to the Spirit of God that wants to show man the wretched state he is in because he is disconnected from God. Man must see the depravity and darkness of his current condition before he will seek out the light of truth. Many can sit in a classroom and be given instruction but only the student who wants to receive the instruction and apply it to understanding will profit. 

Jesus came to teach us of God and truth. He became the living bread that would feed and nourish our spiritual souls. The people sought material nourishment from heaven but God wanted to give them spiritual nourishment. Instead of manna, he sent Jesus. “For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” (V33) Jesus gives a clear explanation of the grand plan or purpose of God toward mankind. “For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” (V40) 

We all sit in the grand classroom of life. We all have opportunity to receive instruction, to be teachable, to come to an understanding of our deep spiritual need for God.  But not all will have teachable hearts that are receptive to God's spirit. Not all will see their need for spiritual bread.  Not all will believe in Jesus. "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me—”

Is God drawing you to him? Are you realizing there is a spiritual hunger and thirst that no  material gain can satisfy? Are you realizing the dark state of your heart apart from the love and goodness of a holy God? Are you teachable and humble, receptive to the gift of salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus that atones you to God? Are you ready to taste the bread of life?

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life.” (V47-48)

By Becky Bramlett Austin

The book of John is my favorite gospel because it provides such amazing information about Jesus and the wonderful privileges given to us because of Him. John grasped an understanding of the Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.  He grasped an understanding that Jesus was no ordinary human. In fact, Jesus transcended time. So when you read Genesis 1 where it says, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the Earth", we often forget that Jesus was present and participated too.  And in Genesis, 26 where it says "let us make man in our image, after our likeness" that Jesus was included in that creative miracle too.