CHECKING IN WITH ALL OF YOU

What is going on with you?
😍
..
With me.....

Last week I did something really neat. I attended a Bible conference which
was on Friday and Saturday.  There were eight speakers which spoke
about two hours for each presentation.  The title of the conference was
True Legends Conference. So where did I go to attend  this conference.
Yes, right in my living room on my lap top. My mind is exploding with
all the information. I look forward to sharing with you at some later
date when we can meet together.

I hope that all of you are healthy and staying safe.

I have had my computer guy working on all my devices so hopefully
I am operating again. He just brought me my lap top and I am sending this
out from it at this time.

I have some Bible Study items that I will share with you later.
Just one at this time. I have spent about two weeks studying the book of
Jude. I hope to share some insights with you. It certainly has some
information that is related to the times that we are now experiencing.
So take some time and read these 25 verses this week.

I will sign off and see if I can get this to publish.

GOOD FRIDAY AND RESURRECTION DAY 2020

This past Good Friday and this coming Resurrection day is one that no one has
 ever experienced in our life time. Of course that goes for everyone
in the world. To celebrate these special events at home either alone or with just a few family members is certainly historical.

I hope that you and your family had an opportunity to watch and be a part of First Baptist Church
Good Friday Service yesterday by watching channel 37. If you did not you can still see it by going to FBC FACEBOOK page.

I have been watching some programs from Jonathan Cahn regarding prophecy and end times.
Today I watched his Good Friday Seder celebration.  I suggest that you take the time to
watch his program.  You will need to set aside  one hour and a half to view his service. Also a time that your mind is clear to focus on his service. He relates the history of the first Passover, compares the meaning of Jesus and his disciples celebration of Passover and Lord's Supper, plus
the meaning of our celebration today of Good Friday/Passover. It will be worth your time to
 to view this service.  Go to: Easter Passover Seder 2020 Jonathan Cahn.

After you watch this service, I would like to hear your comments. So you can send me your comments by email. Once we can meet again, maybe we will have an opportunity to discuss
the deeper meanings of Good Friday/Passover.

Debbie Frazier and I are reading through Proverbs during the month of April.

I talked to Marilyn Cain today and she had gotten a call from Larry Nunley. Linda Nunley passed away. All her family was here. Please keep this family in your prayers. Since we can not attend a service, send a card to the family.

The following scripture is good advice for us as we face these difficult days:
  Read 2 Chronicles 7:11-16.

BEAUTIFUL SPRING DAYS

I certainly hope that you have taken advantage of having time at home to go outside to enjoy the beauty of God's creation as we begin April. I just came in the house after going on a 2.8 miles walk in my neighborhood of Lake Forest. I greeted neighbors who were walking on the street or sitting in their front yard. I saw Millie Davis and her daughter out for their daily walk.

So, my friends, what are you doing during these days of our orders to stay home?

I talked with Debbi Frazier and she said these are some things that she is doing:
Listening to sermons from various pastors, doing Bible study in book of Romans,
working in her yard, and talking to Aunt Dorothy.  Debbi made this suggestion:
Beginning April 1, she started with Proverbs 1 and plans to read through the book
of Proverbs during the month of April by reading one chapter each day. She invites all of us to
join her in this project.

Margaret said that she is reading books, going for walks at different locations, as her neighborhood, Noble Park, and Dolly McNutt Park across from Library. She also said that she is working a 1000 piece puzzle (which will take some time.)

I am working on my note cards of key words in the book of Romans. Here are some insights into one of our key words: GOSPEL

The simple definition of Gospel is "good news": however their is so much more. Good News is what God has done for us through the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus.  I Cor. 15:1-8

The following information is from "Shepherd's Notes Romans"
The features of the Gospel are: 1. Fulfillment of God's purpose: 1:2; 2. Centers in the person of Jesus Christ: 1:3-4; 3. Power of God for salvation of everyone who believes: 1:16.
The Gospel Accomplishes: 1. Effective operation of God's power that leads to salvation; 2. It has purpose and direction: 3. It includes the full scope of deliverance from the results of Adams sins.

THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL

ASPECT OF                               ITS WORK IN THE LIFE                     SPHERE OF 
SALVATION                               OF THE BELIEVER                             DELIVERANCE

Justification                               Being set right with God                       Deliverance from the
                                                                                                                  Penalty of sin

Sanctification                             Growth in holiness                                Deliverance from the
                                                                                                                  Power of sin

Glorification                              Ultimate transformation                         Deliverance from the
                                                   into the likeness of Christ                      Presence of sin

Keep Debbie Moubray in your prayers as she recovers after having foot surgery and other injuries from her car accident.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled Trust in God." John 14:1

Love to all, Janice

FIRST POST DURING CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC TIME PERIOD

HI WOW LIFE GROUP AND FRIENDS, 

I have not been active on my Blog since 2016. 

As I was looking at various sites on my computer, I remembered that I once

had a blog. So I pulled it up to see when was the last time that I sent a blog.

This is a great time to activate it so that I have another way to communicate 

with you. 

So I am going to send a blog to you at least once a week.

If we were in session in our Life Group at church, we would be studying from the 

book of Romans. I have been doing some extra reading regarding the book of

Romans. We did have one session at church. One task, that I suggested for

you to complete as we go through this study, is to make note cards of key words.

We did start making note cards on March 8. Listed below are some key words just in 

chapter 1:  On your note card, write the word, the definition, and some scripture references where the word is used in the Bible. 

Key Words that are listed in Romans 1.

1. Righteousness

2. Faith

3. Justify, Justified, Justice, Justification

4. Grace

5. Redemption

6. Atonement

I hope that you will start making your note cards of these key words.

Also in your student book on page 5, the author has listed 12 key words with 

definitions. Some of the above words are in this list. 

During the first session we discussed a key passage of the book of Romans: 3:21-26.

Please take time to read these verses. You may want to copy these verses on note cards 

and refer to them during the week. So let us start at the beginning. Read lesson one and two in your student book, answer the questions, and complete the Bible Skill.  Read Romans 1:1-32.

I pray that all is well with each one of you. We have had some great weather and I have been out

walking in my neighborhood each day.  I have attempted to get 10,000 steps each day. I started with 6000 per day. Yesterday, I finally made my 10,000 plus steps in one day. YA HOO!!!! 

Love to all, 

Janice Connor 

 

"DO NOT LET YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED. YOU BELIEVE IN GOD, BELIEVE ALSO IN ME." John 14:1

National Election
The scripture verse listed as our title for this blog is certainly timely for us at this time in our nation.
My heart does ache as I see our nation go through a very uncertain and troubling time as we anticipate a very important election of a new president on November 8. I am asking that you join me in praying that people of faith will go to the polls and vote. Yes, I agree that the decision of which candidate is the right choice is very difficult when one measures each candidates' character by our Biblical principles. May I suggest that you examine not only their character but the stated policies that they will endorse if elected. Another point to consider is the quality and belief system of each Vice President. If either Mr. Trump or Secretary Clinton were unable to fulfill their duties as President because of health issues or other issues which Vice President is the right choice.
Again, join me in praying for our nation and go to the polls and vote.

Our Bible Study for Sunday, October 23, 2016, is John 14:1-31. 

 Topics and sections:

Verse 1: General Scope of the chapter
Verses 2-4: Describes our Heavenly Dwelling Place
Verses 5-7: Thomas' Question and Jesus' Response
Verses 9-12; Philip's Question and Jesus'Response
Verses 13-15:Conditions of Prayer
Verses 16-17: Coming of our Helper
Verses 18- 21: God the Father's Love
Verses 22-25: Judas' (Thaddeus) Question and Jesus' Response
Verses 26-31: Our Advocate

Please take the time this week to read through this chapter four or five times. As Jesus interacts with his apostles, he assures them of God' love, His love, and that once he is no longer on planet earth, they will have a helper and advocate, the Holy Spirit. He communicates that after his death that they will see Him before his ascension and after his ascension he will return at some time in the future.
This is a very difficult time for his disciples. Jesus is speaking to them to prepare them for his death and departure.

Three disciples, Thomas, Philip and Judas(Thaddeus), asked three important questions.
What are these questions? What is Jesus' response?

Thomas' question:"Lord, we do not know where you are going. How do we know the way?"
Thomas' question provoked one of the greatest things that Jesus ever said.
John 14:6: "I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."   

I am the Way: The Jews talked much about the way in which men must walk and the ways of God.  Read these scriptures: Deuteronomy 5:32,33; 31:29; Isaiah 30:21;  35:8; Psalm 27:11

I am the Truth: Read these scriptures: Psalm 86;11; 26:3; 119:30.

I am the Life: Read these scriptures: Proverbs 6:23; 10:17; 16:11

What is the meaning of the following words:
Heart: "Kardia" see Shepherd's Notes page 67:
Read these scriptures: Ephesians 3:18; John 12:40; Romans 1:21; 2 Peter 1:19

Another counselor:" Paraclete" See Shepherd's Notes page 70

Answer the questions to guide your study: Shepherd's Notes page 70

See you Sunday. 

BEGINNING THE PRIVATE MINISTRY OF CHRIST

Sunday, October 16, 2016
Lesson John 13:1-38

We will examine the following sections:
Verses 1-20: Christ the Servant
Verses 21 - 30: Jesus predicts his Betrayal
Verses 31-32: The Fourfold Glory
Verses 33-35: The Farewell Command
Verses 36-38: Prediction of Peter's Denial

In Review:
John 5-12: Jesus' public ministry was mainly to his people, the Jews. John emphasized the seven "I Am" statements and the seven signs. In these chapters Jesus demonstrates that He is the Light of the World. As John pens the last chapters of his gospel he shows Jesus' love for the world.

As we study the scriptures, we recognize that in many passages there is a meaning that lies on the surface and there is a meaning which is beneath the surface. In John 13, there are several passages that fit this description.

For example in John 13:8. Jesus reply to Peter when he said "you shall never wash my feet", Jesus's answer, "If I do not wash you, you have no share with me." Think about this response as to the deeper meaning. You may discover some of the meaning in verses 9 and 10. Also read Titus 3:4-6.

Another example, What is the difference in Judas' betrayal and Peter's denial as to their present and eternal relationship to Jesus?

I hope that you had a wonderful week. I had a great trip to Branson, Mo. We had 31 people that went and the Moses Production was beyond words to describe. Jacob, of course, was outstanding. We met with him after the production and he took us on a tour of the backstage. This production will continue next year March through December.

See you Sunday.

CHRIST AS THE MESSIAH: John 12:1-50

We will study and discuss John 12:1-50 for our lesson on Sunday, October 9, 2016.

As we study this chapter, we will observe that there are four main sections:
1. The anointing of Jesus (vss. 1-11)
2.  The Triumphal Entry (vss. 12-19)
3. The Greeks seek Christ (vss, 20-36)
4. The Jews reject Christ (vss. 37-50)

As we look at the time frame of the life of Jesus, the events in this chapter take place six days before the Jewish Passover. So we are now looking at the closing days of Jesus' earthly ministry. We see at the beginning of these days Jesus has gained popularity with the crowd that was gathering in Jerusalem to observe the Feast of Passover. It was every Jews desire to attend at least one Passover feast in his live time. Jews came from all over the world.

As William Barclay records: "On one occasion census was taken of the lambs slain at the Passover Feast. The number was given as 256,500.  There had to be a minimum of ten people per lamb: and if that estimate is correct it means that there must have been as many as 2,700,000 people at the Passover Feast."

At this time, many people had heard about this man Jesus who had raised Lazarus from the dead. They believed that he is the one that will be their King and Israel will be a nation in power of all nations.  Jesus does ride into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. The people welcome him as their King. To us the donkey is a lowly and despised animal; but it was not so in the East. Some Kings did ride into their kingdom on a horse. The difference would show that a King riding on a horse would declare that he had been victorious in war. When a King was riding on a donkey, he was coming in peace. Although most of the crowd did not understand that Jesus was not the warrior figure men dreamed of but that he was the Prince of Peace.

In verses 23-26, Jesus uses the title, "Son of Man". Please read the following references to understand the origin of this term.  Daniel 7:13; 7:1-8. How does Daniel describe the world powers? How does he describe a world power that is different from these? Would the Jews understand this title; "Son of Man".  Read the following passages that gives more information about the Kingdom of the "Son of Man". Daniel 7:14; Ezekiel 37:25; Isaiah 9:7; Psalm 89:4

Please read Shepherd's Notes; pages 59-63 and answer the questions on page 62-63.

As we finish chapter 12, we learn that Jesus has finished his public ministry. Now the gospel writer records in John 13 - 17 the most precious times that Jesus spends with his disciples. He not only gives instruction to his 12 disciples but also to his future disciples.

See you Sunday.