False ministers are actually easy to identify when you set your heart to follow Jesus alone because Jesus is the only mediator between God and man. The term mediator (aka, there is one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus ~ 1 Timothy 2:5 ) is often thought of in relation to the unsaved who come to God. While it does apply in those cases, the mediation of Jesus Christ is much more than bringing sinners to God. The mediation of Jesus encompasses his entire ministry in our lives from start to finish.

According to the Book of Hebrews, Jesus is the Apostle and High Priest of our profession of faith. Both of these titles speak of the mediation of Jesus in our walk with God. We all likely have some understanding of what it means that Jesus is our High Priest, but too many of us give very little consideration to Jesus being the Apostle of our faith! 

Consider for a moment that Jesus is the apostle of your faith. That is a powerful truth that we all need to allow to sink in. According to the Interlinear Bible, this Greek word, apostle, is apostolos (ἀπόστολος, ου, ὁ) and means a messenger, one sent on a mission, an apostle.

If Jesus is the messenger of God in your life, if he is the apostle of your faith, why would you need another modern day apostle?

Those who claim to be modern day apostles all have one thing in common, they testify of themselves and claim to be a mediator of some kind. Their claims stretch from having words from God that you need to hear, to having the spiritual authority you need to be under, to having spiritual revelation that you need from God. They downplay the importance of scriptural context while elevating out of context “revelaiton” they claim is from God.

I work in the trades as a flooring contractor, and one of the expressions used among those in the trades (flooring, electrical, plumbing, etc.) when they see a job done by someone who isn’t qualified or who doesn’t know what they are doing is “hack”. A seasoned electrician who sees a poorly wired job might call it a “hack job”.

Many who claim to be apostles and prophets, are spiritual hacks. Those who do hack jobs in the trades can trick some of the clients they work for, but a professional can quickly spot problems that will eventually cause the job to fail. This is how it works when you immerse yourself in the scriptures and you seek to know Jesus according to the scriptures. You become skilled in the Word of God and are able identify that something isn’t right.

False apostles and prophets appoint themselves as mediators between you and God. The real truth is they are mediators between you and their ego, and more times than not they want to be a mediator between you and your money. They wouldn’t do what they do if they had to actually work for a living, and were tired from real labor at the end of each work day. Preying on spiritually hungry people can be a lucrative business model.

Please understand that those who claim to be apostles and prophets (mediators) are not truly spiritual people. They deceive with being bold in their claims, or with charisma that appeals to those those who are unskilled in the holy scriptures. Please also understand that this is why the bigger the crowd, the better for them. It’s hard to deceive 5 or 10 people with their Bibles open who are judging what you say by what is written, but larger crowds can be worked up and led away from being critical thinkers.

In Hebrews 5, the author of Hebrews (speaking of the mediation of Jesus as our High Priest after the order of Melchizedek) says the following:

Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. ~ v. 11-14

Notice that the writer of Hebrews doesn’t say “of whom we have many things to say and hard to be uttered because it’s difficult to explain.” Instead, it was the dull hearing of those who needed to be taught again that made it hard to utter.

Modern day apostles and prophets make dull hearers of those they prey on. This is why those who truly search the scriptures, do not follow these apostles and prophets. Modern day apostles and prophets appeal to the appetite for the sensational from their followers, trapping them as spiritual babes, unskilful in the Word of righteousness. Those who are truly spiritual (of full age) have had their senses exercised to discern between the true and the false.

Being of full age, only comes through the mediation of Jesus, and following him. The sad reality is while many think they are growing spiritually by following this apostle, or that prophet, they are actually stunted in their spiritual growth.

The “ministry” of modern day apostles looks nothing like that of the apostles in the New Testament, whose purpose was to testify of Christ, and bring the hearers to Jesus. You will not find a single text anywhere in the New Testament where any of the apostles paraded themselves as mediators that the people needed to follow in order to hear from God or serve God. Paul, emphatically told the Corinthians, follow me as I follow Christ. Paul also pronounced a curse on himself if he preached any other gospel.

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. ~ Galatians 1:8

Notice that Paul includes himself with the word “we”. Paul did not preach himself, but Christ Jesus the Lord (2 Corinthians 4:5), because Jesus is the only mediator between God and man.

The writer of Hebrews expounds on the mediation of Jesus Christ, and I’d dare say that if a person would just stop listening to the modern day, self proclaimed apostles and prophets for 2-3 months, and spend that same time reading and studying the book of Hebrews (or any New Testament book), it would become very evident that the apostles and prophets they are following preach an entirely different message than the one given to us in the holy scriptures. 

Jesus is the only mediator you need, and he is THE Apostle and High Priest of our profession of faith. The sad truth is, many of the modern day apostles and prophets are either unsaved, or those who never grew out of being a spiritual babe themselves.  

You really do not need them. Follow Jesus!

Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? ~ Hebrews 1:4-5

The more excellent name which Jesus has inherited from the Father is, in this context, the name of Son. The Greek word is ὄνομα, ατος, τό (onoma) and refers to a name, authority, and cause. The interlinear Bible Helps Word – Studies says (figuratively) the manifestation or revelation of someone’s character, i.e. as distinguishing them from all others.

Now, allow that sink in. Jesus has a character (as God’s Son) that distinguishes him from all others. Throughout Hebrews, the writer tells us repeatedly how Jesus is greater than all his predecessors (Moses, Joshua, and Aaron, etc). In chapter 1, he begins by making the distinction between Jesus and the prophets. God spoke through the prophets in time past, and always in a limited fashion, but in his Son (in his person), God speaks the full revelation of himself.

God has spoken by the Son!

Not only is the Son greater than the prophets, he is greater than all the angelic hosts. After telling us that God has spoken to us by his Son in contrast by the prophets in time past, the writer of Hebrews draws us into a glorious declaration of praise for the Son to whom even the angels can’t compare.

Consider the first five verses of Hebrews 1 with all this mind. 

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high: being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?  ~ Hebrews 1:1-3 

Jesus reveals God in a way that no one else ever could, because Jesus the Son in whose character God’s person and glory is fully revealed, in whom his exact likeness is known. The prophets and angels could speak for God as messengers, but no prophet or angel has ever spoke as the manifestation of God himself, only the Son has! 

I am venturing into the the world of podcasts, and I would like to share my first one here. Ok, its not quite as professional as I want it to be, but I needed to get my feet wet and test the waters. The content is what’s most important to me, but fine tuning it is also important. I will be working on getting better sound and so forth. If you’d like to follow my podcasts, you can through Spotify. I have also added a Podcast link in the Header of my page. I’d also appreciate any feedback on the context.

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/s010EPqxJBb

The main emphasis of the book of Hebrews is the High Priestly ministry of Jesus.
The words priest/priests appear a combined 34 times in the epistle, which is more than any other New Testament book, even more than any of the gospels which speak often of the priests who opposed Jesus.

Hebrews is very much the New Testament counterpart to the Old Testament book of Leviticus, where priest & priests are mentioned a whopping 155 times combined.

Though the main emphasis Hebrews is Jesus’s priesthood, there are other themes that are woven throughout the epistle, and often these themes lead back to an emphasis on Jesus’s High Priestly ministry. One such theme is the new creation. At the outset of the book of Hebrews, we find that Jesus, the Son of God, is also the creator of all things.

And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands. ~ Hebrews 1:10.

Not only is Jesus the creator of the physical cosmos as Hebrews 1:10 states, but he is also the one who has brought about new creation through his death and resurrection. The new creation is forever tied to Jesus’s priesthood because he has a Priesthood that will never end.

In Hebrews 3:1, Jesus is said to be the Apostle and the High Priest of our profession. In 12:2 he is the author and finisher of our faith. The words apostle and author are related to the truth of the new creation.

In chapter 2 the author of Hebrews mentions “the world to come, whereof we speak.”

Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. ~ Hebrews 2:1-5

The word spoken by angels is a reference to the dispensation of the Law and the prophets, in which the angels were the mediators between God and man. Paul speaks of this mediation in his letter to the Galatians. 

Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.  ~ Galatians 3:19

Christ is the promised seed mentioned by Paul in Galatians, and he is the mediator through whom God has now spoken to us, and whose mediations will continue forever in the world to come.

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds… ~ Hebrews 1:1-2

Notice the reference to Jesus as being the heir of all things. That is new creation language. Jesus is both the one by whom God made the worlds and he is the heir of all things in the new creation. Consider the following from the book of Romans:

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

God’s new creation in Christ has begun, and it has begun with us who believe the gospel. Our salvation from sin and becoming new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) is the first fruits of the new creation of the world to come. In chapter 6, the author of Hebrews mentions those who have tasted of the powers of the world to come.

We don’t fully grasp now what is in store for us who believe, but we can indeed taste it!

Consider the apostle John’s take on this: Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. ~ 1 John 3:1-3

In Colossians Paul brings together Jesus’s glory in the cosmos creation, with Jesus’s redemptive work which brings about the new creation.

Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. ~ Colossians 1:12-20 

In the forward of her book, Being God’s Image (authored by Carmen Joy Imes), J.Richard Middleton points out that the Bible affirms that this world we live in is good (though fallen), and that God intended to reclaim the world through the death and resurrection of Christ, to bring about a new creation- not just for believers (2 Corinthians 5:17), but for the entirety of heaven and earth (Revelation 21:1).

With this in mind let us consider Paul’s words in Romans 8 after he says were are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.

For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.) ~ Romans 8:19-25 TNLT

In Ephesians, Paul says that we were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. ~ See Ephesians 1:13-14

Notice that Paul refers to the Holy Spirit as the earnest of our inheritance (remember what we have read about inheritance so far). The word earnest comes from the Greek word, arrabón, and its usage is that of earnest-money, a large part of the payment, given in advance as a security that the whole will be paid afterwards.

I like that definition, but the one that really got me from another Greek source, was an engagement ring! Have you ever thought of the Holy Spirit as an engagement ring from Jesus as the promise of the eternal marriage we will have with him? Go ahead and say it with me, “GLORY!!!!!!”

Being sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise in Ephesians, and being led of the Holy Spirit of God in Romans, are both said in view of the coming of God’s new world (i.e., the new creation) in which God is glorified, and righteousness will forever rule! And this theme is woven throughout the book of Hebrews, thus are to persevere in faith, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Jesus in the presence of God is our hope of a glorious future, for we are his house (his household, his family forever) if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. ~ Hebrews 3:6

New creation has begun, and we have received the Holy Spirit who gives us a foretaste of the glory that is to be revealed in us when Christ returns.

Whereas in the creation of the physical cosmos, man (who was the crown of God’s creation) was created in God’s image on the 6th day, in redemption, Jesus, who is the exact image of God’s glory is the beginning of the creation of God (Revelation 3:14). This does not mean that Jesus is created, but rather, new creation begins with him. The heavens and the earth is his creation, and the redemption of it is his as well, and thus there will be a new heavens and new earth even as we are now new creatures in Christ, and Christ in us is the foretaste of future glory for all God’s creation.

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. ~ Matthew 7:15-23

This truly is a sobering section of scripture. When the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is surveyed, we find Jesus teaching on the things that truly matter such as putting away sins (symbolically described as cutting off your hand and plucking out your eye), praying to be seen by the Father and not by men, fasting unto God and not unto men, giving as unto the Lord and not to be seen by men, etc.

Jesus gives these examples of what true faith in God is really all about, and does so in contrast to the hypocrisy of appearing religious (or spiritual) before men. It is in this context of real faith in God, as opposed to religious hypocrisy that we read the warning against false prophets, whom Jesus describes as coming in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are devouring wolves.

In particular, Jesus points out the corrupt fruits of these false prophets. If we have listened to Jesus’s previous words in his sermon on the mount, it doesn’t take long to determine what the bad fruit of false prophets actually is. Their motive is hypocrisy, and they are seeking to be seen as men rather than God. They want to draw men to themselves rather than draw them to Christ. They are a tree of corruption, and they do not produce the fruit of a pure and meek disposition that seeks only to please God.

Jesus condemns their fruit by saying, Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. ~ v 21-23

Now, it’s not really clear to me if Jesus is referring to those who follow false prophets, or if he is referring to the false prophets themselves, when he says, then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. I tend to think it applies to both. False prophets are self deceived, and those who follow them are deceived because they don’t consider their fruit as Jesus points out.

The claims of prophecy, casting out devils, and miraculous works is not spiritual fruit. False prophets deceive with these claims. Real fruit consists of our devotion to God and how we treat other people as the sermon of the mount repeatedly addresses. Although there will be some who claim to have done such exploits when they stand before Jesus, it will carry no weight. Only those who know him will enter the Kingdom of God.

The sad truth is, those who are deceived by false prophets will also attempt to prove they should enter God’s Kingdom because of these claims. Yet Jesus knows them who walk with him, and when we walk with Jesus’ prophecy, casting out demons, and the miraculous things pail in comparison to him. When Jesus is at the center, the heart will truly praise and rejoice in the Lord if a miracle happens. When our tree produces corrupt fruit, we boast in prophecy and miracles as if we are something. Therein lies the difference.

I find it interesting that in the two verses prior to the introduction to false prophets which come in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are devouring wolves, Jesus says, Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. ~ v. 13-14 

Jesus himself is the straight gate and narrow way, and when we follow Jesus our devotion to God is sincere from the heart, and there is no boasting or self gratification in the spectacular exploits that false prophets pervert to deceive others with. However, when authentic exploits are experienced, those on the straight path will boast only in the Lord!

A common belief among some Christians is that the Old Testament saints went to a place in the regions of Hell, a placed reserved for the righteous after they died. I recently came across a video that was promoting this view. The person who had made the video said, “according to the Old Testament, everyone who died whether they were righteous or not went to Sheol, a place of darkness and stillness.”

Is this correct? No it is not!

According to the scriptures, Enoch was translated by God because he walked with God and pleased God, and Elijah (who did not die) was taken up into Heaven by a chariot of fire in a whirlwind ~ 2 Kings 2:11. When Jesus was on the Mount of Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah appeared together and talked with him regarding his crucifixion that was soon approaching.

And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. ~ Luke 9:30-31

If we know that Elijah went to Heaven, and we do because the scriptures tell us so, it ought not be hard to understand that Moses also went to Heaven because Moses walked with God and was the one through whom God gave the law. Moses did not go back to the dark regions of the underworld after appearing with Elijah and talking with Jesus, because Moses was never there! Instead, Moses remained in the presence of God in Heaven, where he had been since his death. Moses was often in the presence of God while on earth, how much more was he after his death!

When Jesus gave the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man was taken to hell and Lazarus was taken to Abraham’s bosom where he was comforted. Abraham was not in the torment, or flames, or darkness.

When Jesus was challenged by the Sadducees, who didn’t believe in the resurrection, Jesus told them, “as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” ~ Matthew 22:31-32

This infers that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were all alive in the presence of God and not in some dark place in the underworld. When Abraham died, the Bible says Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people. ~ Genesis 25:8

When Isaac died, the Bible says, Isaac gave up the ghost, and died, and was gathered unto his people, being old and full of days: and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him. ~! Genesis ~ 35:29

When Jacob died, the Bible says, when Jacob had made an end of commanding his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, and yielded up the ghost, and was gathered unto his people. ~ Genesis 49:33

There is no evidence anywhere in scripture that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were somewhere in the dark abode of the underworld from the time of their death until after the death and resurrection of Jesus. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are always spoken of in view of God’s Kingdom and God’s covenant after their deaths. In response to the centurion’s faith in Matthew 8, Jesus declared that many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. ~ v. 11

It makes no sense to think that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were in the dark regions of the underworld while their memory was being honored by Jesus and God. If Elijah made it into Heaven (and he did), we can be assured Abraham did as well, and so did Isaac, and Jacob, and Moses, and all the saints that walked with God under the Old Testament.

We also have further evidence in the New Testament when the writer of Hebrews speaks of the faith of the Old Testament saints and refers to them as a great cloud of witnesses in Hebrews 12:1. In chapter 11, the writer of Hebrews expounds on the faith of the Old Testament saints. Consider the following from Hebrews 11:

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. ~ Hebrews 11:8-16

Blessings…

John’s gospel places much more emphasis on Jesus’s personal (one on one) ministry. Matthew, Mark, and Luke (the synoptic gospels) tend to place emphasis on Jesus’s public preaching and teachings ministry, and his healings and miracles.

In fact, there are 37 references to preaching in the synoptic gospels. This includes the preaching by Jesus, John the Baptist and Jesus’s disciples. There is mention of preaching in the book of John. We do have references to Jesus teaching in all 4 gospels. Now, I would consider Jesus preaching in John 7, where we read, In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) ~ v.37-39

In my opinion, that was preaching, but John doesn’t use the word preach to describe it. Either way, my point is, John’s gospel is different in that it’s personal. For example, the emphasis of the synoptic gospels after the resurrection of Jesus is that his followers take the gospel to the nations, however, the emphasis in John, after the resurrection, is that we would know of a surety that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.

And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. ~ John 20:30-31

Also. John has more emphasis on individuals seeking to know who Jesus is, or enquiring of him rather than crowds coming to hear Jesus preach/teach, and be healed by him as in the synoptic gospels.

In John 1 we have Nathanael encountering Jesus and saying, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel (v. 49). In John 2, we have Jesus attending a wedding and turning the water into wine. The scripture says, When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom (.9).

The servants knew ~ that’s the personal touch that John is emphasizing.

The individual relationship (i.e., the intimate knowledge of who Jesus is ) is one of the big themes in the book of John. All the gospels reveal that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, the Savior of the world, and Lord of glory, but John shows it on a more intimate level. For example, in Matthew you get the Sermon on the Mount as Jesus addressed the multitude. In John you get Nicodemus coming to Jesus by night (John 3).

In John 4 Jesus sits and talks at the well with the woman of Samaria. In John 5, the man at the pool of Bethesda is healed. In John 6, Jesus teaches in such a way that it drives away those who are not committed.

From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life ~ (v .66-68).

I could go on, but I hope you get the picture. The beauty of the gospel of John is that is more of an intimate gospel in which we come face to face with the God in the flesh!

I am a Christian because of Jesus. When I say Jesus, I am talking about the person who lived, died, rose again, and now lives in the presence of God for us. He is alive and he has revealed himself to my heart time and time again over the past 43 years since I first believed.

When I was saved, I came to Jesus. I did not come to church, I didn’t come to theology, and I didn’t come to religion. I came to Jesus. If Jesus had not made himself known to me, I would not waste another moment being a Christian, but I can not deny him.

The revelation of Jesus Christ changes everything, and when Christ is revealed to the heart, your faith can endure anything.

I want you to consider the words of the apostle Paul who was a devout Jewish scholar before his conversion. Paul writes the following in Philippians 3.

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. ~ Philippians 3:7-15

There is more scripture in the Bible that reveals the living person of Jesus Christ, than any other topic. Yet Jesus is often overlooked. There are entire theological views that don’t have Jesus as the very foundation. Consider for instance the five points of Calvinism. Not a single one of them is rooted in the revelation of the person of Jesus Christ, yet people base their entire Christianity on these.

It’s not just Calvinism, it’s much of Westernized Christianity (the SBC, the Word of Faith, the New Apostlic Reformation, and the list goes on). You cannot simply tack on truth about Jesus and do your own thing, and think you are doing God’s work.,

If the man Jesus is not the foundation of what you are doing for God, you aren’t really doing it for God. You are worshiping him in vain. God has only sanctified that which is in Christ and of Christ. If your aim is not to win Christ and be found in him. You have the wrong motive.

The reason there is so much false doctrine, so many false brethren, and so much abandoning of the Christian faith, is a lack of Jesus. Jesus is the foundational stone that God has laid, and if your faith is built on anything other than this man, Jesus, you are going to grow weary, or become religious, and just a fruitless person, and sin creeps at the door.

Jesus told his disciples without me ye can do nothing.

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 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. 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. ~ John 15:1-5

The Christian life is a miserable existence when it’s not founded and rooted in the living Christ.This is why so many become either burned out, hardened, judgmental, political,  religious, and hypocritical. It is why there is so much exposure of sin among clergy and youth Pastors.

They have no fruit of Christ in their lives because they have no roots in Christ. When I say, Christ, I am not talking about theology about Jesus. I am talking about the person of Jesus Christ to whom we are called into fellowship with.

God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. ~ 1 Corinthians 1:9

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. ~ 1 John 1:3-4

Over the past 43 years I have learned a lot about theology and doctrine. I have also had to change my theology and doctrine at times, but the person of Jesus Christ has been the one constant. I’m not simply referring to words on the pages of the Bible about Jesus, but the living Jesus to whom those words testify. He has been revealed to me by the Holy Spirit time and time again, fellowship with him is why I serve him.

Consider that Paul tells us that as ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. ~ Colossians 2:6-7 

It’s only as the roots of your faith grow in Christ, that the fruit of Christ’s Spirit grows outwardly in your life. The Holy Spirit that came on the Day of Pentecost, is the Spirit of the glorified Christ. He is the Spirit who glorifies Christ to us and in us, and he draws us into the fellowship with Jesus.

In Romans 5 Paul continues on the theme of the righteousness of God which has been revealed in the gospel of Christ.

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ… ~ Romans 5:1

Consider the expression, peace with God. James tells us that the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace. Now that we are justified in Christ, godliness, or a life of righteous living, grows out of the peace we have received. Paul tells the Ephesians the following.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. ~ Ephesians 2:8-10

In his letters, Paul goes into much detail to explain that righteousness is a gift from God that is imputed to us by believing the gospel and that we are not declared righteous by any human works. There is only one work that we can do that has anything to do with our justification in the sight of God, and that is the work of faith in Jesus!

Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. ~ John 6:28-29

The work of faith, is our standing in the truth of the gospel that we have believed and living according to this faith which has great reward when the Lord comes.

When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. ~ 1 Thessalonians 1:10-12

The righteousness we have received in Christ by faith, is a fruit bearing righteousness that produces godly character and holiness in our lives.

But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered to you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. ~ Romans 6:17-23

The fruit unto holiness comes from yielding ourselves to God, who has imputed his righteousness to us through faith in Jesus. Because we are at peace with God, we can now walk in the Spirit, and conform to the likeness of Christ.

Consider Paul’s words on this matter from his letter to the  Galatians.

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. ~ Galatians 5:1-6

When we live according to the gift of God given to us in Christ Jesus, the fruit of the Spirit produces in us, Christ-like character. 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. ~ Galatians 5:22-25

Living in the Spirit is a reference to our standing before God in and through Christ. Walking in the Spirit is a reference to how we live our lives in our relationships with others. 

Notice that all the fruit of the Spirit mentioned above have to do with the transformation of our character. When our works and service to God come from love, peace, and joy, they glorify God. When they come from a heart of patience, gentleness, goodness, faith,  and humility, they glorify God.

These qualities are the fruit of God’s Spirit in us, and Paul refers to those in whom the fruit of the Spirit are, as spiritual.

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. ~ Galatians 6:1-2

Paul’s teachings on justification by faith should never be thought of as something independent of God’s work to conform us to the image of Christ. The work God has finished for us in Christ, brings us into the work God wants to do in us through Christ!

God never intended for us to be fruitless as believers, but rather he desires that we bear much fruit for his glory, and that fruit grows out of the soil of the gift of righteousness we have received from God and is sown in the peace we have with God through our Lord Jesus Christ!