Evan N

John 1:1-3 John is quite explicit, his statement is absolute with no doubt or hesitation as he describes his belief that Jesus in the beginning was, "The Word." Not words but, "The Word." The Word was "with God" and the Word was "God" How could Jesus when born to physical life on this Earth then, not be the very "Living Word of God" The Son of God yet, God Himself. Fully obedient to the Farther because that was his mission, to live and behave as a Son to his Father. Not that he was lesser, but that in his humanity, he was fully obedient. A fully reliable, fully knowledgeable, yet self sacrificing, prime example for us to follow, in our walk through life with God. Culminating in his ultimate self sacrifice. Obedient even unto death. God the Word lovingly and willingly suffering for our sin. On the surface it could be thought rather coldly that....well yes Jesus did it tough, he obeyed the Father and came and suffered for our sin. But when thinking about this passage of John 1:1-3 you realize that just as God the Father loved mankind enough to send His own Son to die, Jesus also loved mankind by the same degree,enough to want to come to this Earth, and do the suffering and die in order to conquer the dillema faced by mankind in getting to be reconciled to God. Jesus love for mankind is as God the Father's. They are One.

It's already been said of course.But Jealousy consumed the Jewish leaders who had fallen into a religious pit of self pride and self righteousness. It reveals that they really didn't understand the scriptures and prophecies in Gods Word as well as they themselves believed. When the true gospel was being preached by Paul. They couldn't accept it, they were incensed by the fact that they were losing their following of the people to this new message of the Christ. One who would come in humility, suffer and die and rise after three days conquering sin and death in this way. What were they expecting though...?? A Messiah who would appear in great glory and lift hem up in glory as well. A Saviours message of humility and self sacrifice for the sake of others was too much for them to accept. So they fought Paul's teaching violently. Paul wouldn't give up the cause in the face of such opposition. Why would he ? He knew Jesus was real, and who Jesus really was. How can we today, cease to talk about this Saviour of the World he is our very life....eternally. Mind you, I find it very hard to talk about Jesus Christ to my work mates. They're mostly very worldly guys and when I confess my faith to them I sense the sniggers behind my back. Imagine how Paul must have felt much of the time. But he obviously loved The Saviour so much....!!

G'day everyone, I'm in Australia, looking forward to being involved in this study.

Sorry people introduced myself through the wrong study. Tried to delete the post but don't seem to be able so have edited to this explanation. I'm actually aiming for the study on 1 and 2 Thessolanians.