Jim Gallagher

John 5:21
“For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.”

This is amazing! Jesus promises to give life. It is always tragic to watch people killing themselves, in an attempt to find life. Our country, our world, our communities, even many of our homes, are plagued with substance abuse, as people search for life. We seem to have an epidemic of extreme sports, with people risking life in order to experience life. All the while, Jesus is promising to give it away freely to any who will come to Him.

John 5:24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from            death into life.”

The life Jesus offers not only gives meaning to living, but is the only way to prepare for death. All of us are on a journey, and that journey will take us through the gateway of death, face to face with the one true God.

John 5:29 “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.”

No matter what road you choose to walk in life, the end of that road will take you to the throne of God. If you choose to reject God for a certain lifestyle, or even denounce the existence of God, you will still find yourself standing before the throne of God, awaiting the sentence of eternity. There is only one way to prepare for that day, that is by receiving Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that as many as believe in Him, will have the privilege of becoming the children of God, and as children, become heirs of eternal life (John1:12). Sadly, even at the time of Christ we read,

John 5:40 “But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.”

I pray that is not true of you! I pray you will come to Him and receive purpose, meaning, value in living, and the free gift of eternal life.

Pastor Jim

Questions for John 5

1. How many sick people were at the Pool of Bethesda?  Why were they there?
2. What were some of the diseases that they were dealing with?  How do you think this affected their lives?  Did Jesus heal all of them?
3. How long was the man with infirmity afflicted with his disease?
4. How did he respond when Jesus asked him if He wanted to be made well?  Would you say that he was hopeful or had given up hope?
5. The Jews told the man that it was unlawful for him to carry his bed on the Sabbath, but no such law exists in the Scripture.  They were elevating their laws to the level of God’s, and making God’s real laws of no consequence.  This is called legalism.  What was some of the fruit of legalism in the Pharisees life?
6. Compare verses 16 and 18.  Why were the Jews seeking to kill Jesus?
7. From verse 17 through the end of the chapter Jesus gives insight into the nature of His relationship with the Father, and truly “He was making Himself equal with God.”  What are some of the attributes of God that Jesus possesses?
8. Read verses 38-40.  What is the end purpose of all Bible study?

Old Testament:
Numbers 27- Supernatural Selection
Numbers 28- Morning And Evenings