Tag Archives: John

John 15- The Vine

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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. John 15:1-3

Jesus again reveals another “I AM “ statement, Jesus states “I AM The Vine”, as we remember is in reference to God revealing He is “I AM” to Moses in Exodus. This is obviously another revelation of Christ deity. Notice Jesus is the Vine to the Father, remember Jesus said He is The Way to the Father (John 14:6)

Jesus said “Any branch that doesn’t produce fruit will be cut off” Now some would argue that means we can “lose our salvation”. I’m not convinced we can lose our salvation, as the salvation was never ours to begin with. Salvation is a gift from God through Christ. Secondly when we become Born Again in Christ (John 3) how can you become spiritually unborn again? Doesn’t seem logical or possible to me

Remember what Jesus said to the LukeWarm Church of Laodicea in Revelation 3, “Since you are not hot or cold, I will spit you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:16) Jesus has expectations for us as believers. If you claim to have faith in Christ, there should be some evidence for your faith, a conversion you might say. As the Apostle James taught “Faith without works is dead” (James 3)

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. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. John 15:4-6

Now you might say “this is works based salvation talk” , notice what Jesus says “A branch can’t bear fruit without him” Any works that we produce as a Christian, is because of Christ. Including our salvation, nobody can save themselves, salvation is only possible by Jesus alone. 

What leads us to repentance? Its the conviction of the Holy Spirit (John 16:8) See any fruit we bear or works we produce is because of God, not ourselves. Fruits are the evidence of our salvation

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. John 15:7-9

What is the secret for producing fruit? Abide in Christ! The word Abide here in the Greek means to remain, wait, and stay. Be patient with God, be faithful and obedient to Jesus, and he will take care of you!

Any good work or fruit you produce is for the Glory of God. Nothing is done in the name of Jesus for our own glory, otherwise we are not producing good fruit. Abide in Jesus , Amen!

John 14- The Holy Spirit Part 1

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If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. John 14:15-17

Jesus gives us another revelation, the coming of the Holy Spirit. Now the interesting thing in the Greek the word to describe the Holy Spirit is Parakletos meaning Comforter, Advocate, Helper, and Counselor. This makes me wonder if the Wonderful Counselor in Isaiah 9:6 is not the Holy Spirit, but anyway Jesus promised the coming of The Holy Spirit and he will abide with us forever!

Notice not everyone can receive the Holy Spirit, the world can’t receive him because they don’t know him. Both those who receive Christ, know the Holy Spirit and The Spirit of God lives inside of us (Romans 8:11)

I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. John 14:18-20

Even though Jesus ascended back to Heaven, he promised He will never leave us! How? Because the Holy Spirit lives inside of us! You should take comfort in knowing this, the same power that rose Jesus from the dead is living inside of us (Romans 8:11)

Notice how we are all integrated together, The Son lives in the Father, as we live in the Son , as the Son lives in us and the Holy Spirit lives inside of us. We are all connected to the Father, Son , and Holy Spirit as the Body of Christ, abide in Christ

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. John 14:21-23

Remember Jesus started by saying “If you love me, keep my Commandments” if you truly love Christ, you will listen to him! To say we love Jesus and don’t do anything he tells us, makes us hypocrites. You must be obedient to Christ as the Son was obedient to the Father

Notice Jesus says “We will come unto him” Who is We? The Father , Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus isn’t referring to himself or just referring to the Father. God is Triune in nature and the Holy Spirit lives inside of You, Amen!

John 14- Fathers House

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Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:1-3

This Chapter is one of the most commonly read during a funeral, why? Because Jesus is giving us a glimpse into the afterlife. Also he is revealing his promises about when we physically die. In my Fathers House (Heaven) there are many mansions (dwelling places). Jesus is confirming there is plenty of room for you in God’s Kingdom

Not only is there room, but Jesus is preparing that place for us already! Another wonderful promise is Jesus said “He will come again for us and receive us to himself” When it’s our time to go, Jesus is coming for us! We have heard numerous people who reported Near Death Experiences (NDE’s) they saw Jesus come to them. Take comfort in knowing this!

And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:4-6

Now maybe Jesus’s words caused more questions than answers, the Apostle Thomas had many questions also. Thomas said “We don’t know where you going”? “How do we know the way”? Its ok to have questions and doubts, trust in Jesus he holds the keys to death and Hell

Jesus declares one of the most controversial messages even today “ I AM The Way , The Truth , and The Life, Nobody comes to God except through Me”! Did you catch that? Jesus is the only way to God, Jesus is the only way to salvation. All other roads lead to Hell

If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? John 14:7-9

Jesus began revealing that “Since you seen Him (Jesus) you have seen God” As was revealed earlier Jesus is God in the flesh (John 1:14) Maybe this is a difficult concept for us to grasp, imagine the disciples have been with Jesus for 3 years and are still just gettin it!

Remember Jesus has promised and prepared a place for You! Jesus is the only way to God and Jesus is God! There is no other way to eternal life or God, trust in Jesus! Amen!

John 13- Brotherhood Betrayal

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Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. John 13:19-21

Now while Jesus and the disciples were at the Lords Supper or known as the Last Supper, Jesus reveals some prophecies. Jesus said “He’s telling them these things so when they are fulfilled they will know He is the Christ” As you can see Jesus is “troubled in his spirit” the things which he is about to reveal are horrific

Jesus reveals someone is going to betray him, now we all know this is Judas, however at the time the disciples had no idea. It’s hard to imagine , Judas spent three years of his life by Jesus side, witnessed many miracles and teachings, and yet allowed Satan to tempt him and betray the Son of God! Let that be a warning to us all!

Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake. Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake. He t hen lying on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it? John 13:22-25

Notice the disciples reaction to Jesus message, they all looked at each other, like maybe its me! Nobody had any idea it was Judas except Jesus, shows you how deceptive Judas was. Peter , always being the leader, came out and asked Jesus directly “Who is it Lord”?

Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly. Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him. John 13:26-28

Jesus gave them all a hint, yet they still didnt get it. Perhaps Jesus is giving us hints in our lives and we still are not getting it also. Jesus told Judas “Get it over with “, Jesus knew Judas was going to sell out the Son of God to the Religious Leaders and Romans to have him killed. This was all for us, to save us from our sins!

For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor. He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night. Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him .If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him. John 13:27-32

Satan thought he had defeated Jesus, however God was going to use this moment to glorify Christ. As Jesus said earlier “Nobody has the authority to take his life” (John 10:18) Jesus willingly laid down his life as the atonement for our sins

There’s a lot of Judas’s in the Church today, beware of your intentions and motives, who is driving you, Jesus or Satan? Make sure everything you do is for the Glory of God, Amen!

John 13- Washing Feet

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He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? John 13:4-6

Jesus is coming to the end of his ministry, as him and his disciples were gathered together to share the Passover meal , which would turning into the Lord’s Supper (Communion) but before Jesus departed he had another lesson to teach them

Imagine Jesus, the Son of God, washing your feet! This is an unthinkable act of humility and love. God, who became Flesh, is now washing our feet, this is a demonstration of real leadership. Notice Jesus never asked his disciples to do anything he didn’t already do! 

Peter is in almost shock, as he realizes that his Lord and God is going to wash his filthy and wretched feet

Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. John 13:7-9

Jesus tells Peter “You don’t understand what I’m doing right now, but someday you will” Isn’t that the same for us all? How many times do we read something in the Bible or  experience something, and we just don’t understand how God is working? Then later, as we continue to grow in The Lord, it makes perfect sense!

At first Peter refuses to have his feet washed by Jesus, probably because of embarrassment or unworthiness, however as Jesus insists, he wants Jesus to cleanse him entirely! Doesn’t this describe our walk with Christ? We are so ashamed of our sin, but once we know Jesus will forgive us, we want him to must us Born Again!

Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? John 13:10-12

Jesus revealed “Not all of you are Born Again” of course Jesus was referring to Judas, who will betray Christ. But notice Jesus is applying this physical washing with a spiritual lesson

Secondly Jesus asks his disciples a question “Do you know what I have done for you”? What a great question, do you understand what Jesus did for you? I don’t think many totally comprehend what Christ did for us! 

Remember everything Jesus did, he did to redeem us from the eternal grave. He made us reborn so we may live with Him forever Amen!

John 12- Hardened Hearts

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But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:  That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him. John 12:37-41

Why do people reject God? Why do people reject Jesus as the Christ? Well Jesus reveals its not because of a lack of evidence. People reject Jesus because of the hardness of their hearts and their spiritual blindness. People don’t reject God because of evidential reasons, as Jesus performed many miracles yet many people still rejected him

The prophet Isaiah foretold about this, the interesting thing is Jesus said Isaiah actually saw Jesus and was speaking of him when he foretold about these prophecies over 700 years before Christ came to Earth. Jesus was here from the beginning, the Alpha and Omega, all the prophets of the Old Testament are speaking about Jesus

Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. John 12:42-43

Many of the religious leaders believed in Jesus, many believed He is the Messiah, but yet they openly rejected him in public, why? Because they cared more about the approval of others than they cared about God and truth. 

We think about Nicodemus from Chapter 3, did he publicly confess Jesus as the Son of God? Some would argue that point, however there wasn’t much evidence for it. Even though Jesus clearly revealed everything to him. The religious leaders knew the Messianic prophecies in scripture, many of them had to reject Christ with full knowledge of God

Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. John 12:44-46

Anyone who rejects Jesus rejects God. The religious leaders who believe they are righteous are actually condemned. Where did they go wrong? How could people who dedicated their lives to study scripture be so wrong? Because their hearts are hard and they care more about the approval of people than the approval of God

Anyone who rejects Christ is without excuse (Romans 1) God has supplied mountains of evidence for his existence , don’t harden your heart, allow your eyes and ears to be spiritually opened to receive Jesus , Amen!

John 12- The King Is Coming

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On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. John 12:12-13

This event that we are looking at today , is commonly known as “Palm Sunday” as tradition in the Church. This is the day when Jesus will fulfill prophecy and declare that He is the King of Kings, that He is the Messiah. 

This obviously came at a very pivotal time in Israels history, as they were under persecution from the Roman Empire. Many Jews had hopes that Jesus was a great military leader that would wipe out the Romans and restore the nation of Israel. However they didn’t understand the Messiah, and they didn’t understand that Jesus was bringing a New Covenant, to allow Jews and Gentiles into Gods Kingdom as His Children, even Romans

And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt. These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him. John 12:14-16

Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah, as the Messiah would come to Jerusalem riding on a donkey, but why a donkey? If Jesus was King, wouldn’t He be riding on a big white horse? Jesus came as the Lamb, to save the world from its sin. The donkey is symbolic of peace. Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) Jesus didn’t come at this time to judge the world, but to save it!

The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record. For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle. The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him. John 12:17-19

People remembered the miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Remember Jesus said He allowed Lazarus to die to bring Glory to God. What was first seen as a tragedy, was now used for Gods Glory to affirm who Jesus is, The King and Messiah!

Palm Sunday also gives us a glimpse of the future, as one day Jesus will return again, but this time not as the Lamb but as the Lion! Are you ready?

The King is Coming again, everyone repent and be prepared , keep your lamps lits for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords , Amen!

John 12- The Anointing

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Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. John 12:1-3

Jesus came back to the town of Bethany , the same place where He raised Lazarus from the dead. Martha and Mary decided to throw a feast for Jesus, obviously in honor of who He is and what He did for their family. 

What happened next, was actually prophetic and Mary probably didn’t even realize it. Mary took a pound of ointment (perfume) and used it to wash Jesus’ feet. Not only did she wash his feet, but she used her own hair to clean them. The love and sacrifice she demonstrated to Jesus , was pure genuine faith

Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. John 12:4-6

Now to ruin this beautiful moment was Judas Iscariot, as we know he is the one who sold Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Jesus has called Judas “The Son of Perdition” (John 17:12) and it was better he was never born (Matthew 26:24) 

Judas made it seem he cared about providing money to the poor, when He was stealing all the disciples money for the treasury. This demonstrated the true heart of Judas, He was a fraud, pretending to be a disciple. We see this alot today in modern day Christianity, alot of wolves in sheeps clothing

Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this. For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always. John 12:7-8

Jesus rebuked Judas in front of everyone, this must have been a real embarrassment for Judas. During this time period and culture, women were looked down upon compared to men. So for Jesus to stick up for Mary over Judas was probably a shot to Judas ego

Secondly Jesus reveals a prophecy, that Mary was anointing him for his death. I think it’s very fitting this happened right before Passover, as Jesus is our Passover Lamb. This moment revealed multiple things and was remembered forever as Jesus said it would be

We need to examine ourselves and make sure we are not becoming a Judas, don’t be a fake disciple of Christ, all our deeds are filthy rags compared to Christ, remain humble in Jesus name Amen!

John 11- Raising Lazarus Part 3

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When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! John 11:33:-36

Here we see one of the most powerful moments of Jesus ministry, as Mary wept for her brother Lazarus, so did Jesus. This demonstrates the human side of Jesus, he was fully God and fully Man. He felt the same emotions that we feel, he experienced the same agony as us, actually Jesus would experience more pain, emotionally and physically, than any other human in history

It’s clear Jesus loved Lazarus, Martha, and Mary, as well as Jesus loves us! Even though we were still sinners, Christ died for us and demonstrated his love for us on the cross (Romans 5:8)

And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died? Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. John 11:37-39

Some started to challenge Jesus deity, “If this guy is the Christ, why didn’t heal Lazarus”? The ignorance of these people didn’t realize, God had something bigger in store. God was going to use the Resurrection of Lazarus” as a platform to Glorify Jesus and verify to the world who He truly is!

Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. John 11:40-43

Jesus said “If you believe You will see the Glory of God”! As Jesus asked the question previously, “Do you believe”? Jesus said a prayer to the Father and shouted “Lazarus come forth”!

Whenever I think of that moment, I think of the moment Jesus called us by name and brought us back to life. The moment we came to Christ and became Born Again. Even though this event was physical, I think there is a spiritual demonstration here for us

And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. John 11:44-45

The voice of Christ raised Lazarus from the dead. Notice it was nothing Lazarus did on his own behalf, Jesus called him by name and made him reborn! Many believed after witnessing this event

If you are Born Again, many will believe by your testimony also! Tell everyone what Jesus did for you, Amen! 

John 11- Raising Lazarus Part 2

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Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. John 11:21-23

Now as we continue to look at the Resurrection of Lazarus, we see Jesus and his disciples finally made it Bethany. Lazarus has now been dead for 4 days, Martha then tells Jesus “If you would have been here, Lazarus would not have died”  Isn’t this a common reaction we all have in tragedy? We blame God for everything that goes wrong, do we give him thanks for everything that goes right?

Jesus assures Martha, Lazarus will live again. Now Martha believed Jesus was referring to the final Resurrection coming (obviously she was a believer) However what she didn’t realize was Jesus was going to raise Lazarus from the dead right now to demonstrate the Glory of God

Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.  Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? John 11:24-26

Here again Jesus reveals another I AM statement, “ I AM the Resurrection” remember this is Jesus revealing his deity as the Great I AM revealed to Moses. But notice also if Jesus is The Resurrection, there is no eternal life outside of Christ. Jesus asks Martha a question “Do you believe this”? Jesus asking  you the same question today, “Do you believe Jesus is the Resurrection?”

She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee. As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him. Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him. John 11:27-30

Notice the faith of Martha, she declares “Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God” Martha was obviously a believer. Remember what Jesus said “Faith the size of a Mustard Seed can Move Mountains “ (Matthew 17:20) We are about to see something that is supernatural, that defies all the laws and logic of nature

Martha told her sister Mary, The Master has come! Yes Jesus our Lord has come to give us eternal life, Do you believe this?