Bible Study - JESUS' Family - Brothers and Sisters? - Various - December 7, 2025

Bible Study – JESUS’ Family – Brothers and Sisters? – December 7, 2025

Keep in mind JESUS was and is the first born of the Virgin Mary.

I know this study may give some who read this Spiritual heartburn but let’s explore.

We know JESUS had brothers. In last week’s study we saw that HIS brothers poked fun at HIM, as expressed in John 7: The Unbelief of Jesus’s Brothers

7 After this, Jesus traveled in Galilee, since he did not want to travel in Judea because the Jews were trying to kill him. ² The Jewish Festival of Shelters^[a] was near. ³ So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea so that your disciples can see your works that you are doing. ⁴ For no one does anything in secret while he’s seeking public recognition. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.” ⁵ (For not even his brothers believed in him.)

⁶ Jesus told them, “My time has not yet arrived, but your time is always at hand. ⁷ The world cannot hate you, but it does hate me because I testify about it—that its works are evil. ⁸ Go up to the festival yourselves. I’m not going up to this festival,^[b] because my time has not yet fully come.” ⁹ After he had said these things, he stayed in Galilee.

JESUS being the Promised Messiah only did what GOD, HIS FATHER instructed or showed HIM to do. Timing was vital and important in the life of JESUS to fulfill GOD’S redemptive plan, which HE did.

But we do see sibling rivalry raise its head in JESUS earthly family, which would seem to be normal, as well as challenging. Keep in mind that JESUS was tempted in all ways as humans are tempted and sibling rivalry is certainly, often, a challenge.

As we unpack this study there are some of certain religious backgrounds who will not embrace the facts that JESUS had siblings i.e. brothers and sisters.

Salvation is not complicated. It is by faith in the atoning sinless life of JESUS and HIS willingness to give HIS sinless life to pay the penalty for all sin, in full, which GOD, JESUS’ FATHER requires.

JESUS paid the sin debt, in full, which opened the redemptive path to GOD and by faith each person who places his/her faith in JESUS is “born-again” Spiritually and becomes a SON or DAUGHTER/CHILD of GOD.

The “born-again” person becomes an eternal Child of GOD and an eternal citizen of Heaven.

Now, onto a question and some Biblical information that some reading this may have an issue or discover truth.                              

Some church denominations are staunch in their belief that JESUS did not have physical brothers or sisters. They consider that The Virgin Mary did not have other children, especially daughters. I am not asking you to accept or deny but consider the scripture. Salvation is not dependent upon a person believing whether or not JESUS had siblings. JESUS was and is the first born of the Virgin Mary and was and is GOD’S promised Messiah. The Passion of JESUS seals IT for those who place their faith in JESUS by asking JESUS to forgive him or her for all his/her sins and for JESUS to come into his/her heart, The Holy Spirit confirms it. Let’s explore!!!

It is hard to deny that JESUS had half-brothers, since they were prominent in carrying on the work that JESUS began, but half-sisters may be more difficult for some to consider because of the role of females in the times of JESUS and even too many today.

Did JESUS have half-sisters?

I know that certain church denominations absolutely reject the idea that JESUS had siblings, which is okay. Just consider scripture and know that a person’s salvation is not dependent upon embracing whether or not JESUS had physical brothers and/or sisters.

We do know based on John 3:16:

For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life.

Focus upon the fact, if you have asked JESUS to forgive you for your sins and for HIM to come into your heart, HE does. Doing so results in you being “born again” Spiritually. This second birth is eternal and the person of faith in JESUS becomes an eternal member of GOD’S Family and a citizen of Heaven.

The Holy Spirit confirms our Spiritual Birth into GOD’S Family by the gift of the Holy Spirit along with one or more Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

So, let’s dip our toes into the water of JESUS having siblings:

Mark 6:1 He left there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. ² When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. “Where did this man get these things?” they said. “What is this wisdom that has been given to him, and how are these miracles performed by his hands? ³ Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And aren’t his sisters here with us?” So, they were offended by him.

Matthew 13: ⁵³ When Jesus had finished these parables, he left there. ⁵⁴ He went to his hometown and began to teach them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers? ⁵⁵ Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother called Mary, and his brothers James, Joseph,^[n] Simon, and Judas? ⁵⁶ And his sisters, aren’t they all with us? So where does he get all these things?” ⁵⁷ And they were offended by him.

Mark 3:31 Christian Standard Bible True Relationships

³¹ His mother and his brothers came, and standing outside, they sent word to him and called him.

Mark 6:1 He left there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. ² When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. “Where did this man get these things?” they said. “What is this wisdom that has been given to him, and how are these miracles performed by his hands? ³ Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And aren’t his sisters here with us?” So, they were offended by him.

Luke 8: ¹⁹ Then his mother and brothers came to him, but they could not meet with him because of the crowd. ²⁰ He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.”

John 2:12: ¹² After this, he went down to Capernaum, together with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples, and they stayed there only a few days.

John 7: ³ So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea so that your disciples can see your works that you are doing.

Acts 1:14 They all were continually united in prayer,^[b] along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

1 Corinthians 9:⁵ Don’t we have the right to be accompanied by a believing wife^[a] like the other apostles, the Lord’s brothers, and Cephas?

Galatians 1: ¹⁸ Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to get to know Cephas,^[e] and I stayed with him fifteen days. ¹⁹ But I didn’t see any of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.

These are the references in scripture.

We do know that the Apostle Paul (Saul before his conversion to being a follower of JESUS) had a special encounter with JESUS as he was going to Damascus to arrest those who were early followers of JESUS, called The Way. Saul/Paul was a Pharisee and had studied under the Jewish teacher Gamaliel.

I know certain church denominations consider Mary as not having any other children than JESUS. She was a virgin when JESUS was conceived by and when THE HOLY SPIRIT came upon her and that fact is fully established by GOD, the angel Gabriel, HIS birth and the wisemen that followed the Star.

The Angel Gabriel is one of only two angels specifically named in the Bible. The other angel is Michael.

Gabriel’s name in Hebrew means “GOD is my strength” or Mighty one of GOD and he spoke directly to the virgin Mary.

The conception of JESUS is a beautiful example of eternal conception when, we, as humans, are “born again” Spiritually. The Holy Spirit unites with the human spirit, which let’s consider the spiritual egg. Thus, the term for humans, is to be “born again” Spiritually into the eternal Family of GOD never to be Spiritually unborn.

Scripture supports the concept of the Holy Spirit being the “Divine Sperm.”  Once, a person is “born-again” Spiritually, that person is eternally GOD’S Son or Daughter and their citizenship is in Heaven.

There is a but ------

A Spirit born person’s failure to obediently serve the LORD JESUS, compromises his/her Heavenly rewards as expressed in 1 Corinthians 3:10 – 15: ¹⁰ By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. ¹¹ For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. ¹² If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, ¹³ their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. ¹⁴ If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. ¹⁵ If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.

A Spirit-born Christian may go through life doing his or her own thing after his/her Spiritual birth but is the person being led by the Holy Spirit? Ouch, this applies to all of us who have been born-again.

This is why all Spirit born people need to study GOD’S Word, pray, and allow the indwelling Holy Spirit to lead, teach, strengthen, and guide.

1 John 3:9 (Amplified)

No one born (begotten) of God [deliberately, knowingly, and habitually] practices sin, for God’s nature abides in him or her [His principle of life, the divine sperm, remains permanently within him (or her)]; and he (or she) cannot practice sinning because he (or she) is born (begotten) of God.

Salvation is not dependent upon a person believing whether or not JESUS had physical brothers and/or sisters. Salvation is available to all who place his/her faith in JESUS and HIS physical birth, HIS physical sinless life, teaching, and passion which satisfied the sin debt that all humans owe.

The shedding of the sinless blood of JESUS upon the cross atoned for the sin debt. When the sin barrier was removed by the shedding of the blood of JESUS, HIS death, resurrection on the third day, the path to salvation, through faith in JESUS, was opened to all who will place their faith in JESUS. However, a person must acknowledge and claim his/her salvation through faith in JESUS.

How about babies and those who have not reached “the age of accountability” for various reasons? GOD covers them under HIS Grace.

Matthew 18 - Who Is the Greatest?

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “So who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a small child and had him (it was a boy) stand among them. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “unless you turn and become like little children (all inclusive – male and female), you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. ...

Dear JESUS help us all to be like little children, eagerly seeking to know YOU, obediently serving YOU and learning from YOU and THE FATHER. Not just to know about YOU but to KNOW YOU as YOU walk with us on our journey through life upon earth. Graft us into the true vine of JESUS so YOUR nourishment and life blood will flow through us to minister to others as YOU give us opportunity. May YOU keep a close watch on us that we are not led astray by false notions or doctrines, as we approach the second coming of JESUS.

We know that as we get ever closer to YOUR return, as recorded in Matthew 24:24

For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

It is vital that we who know JESUS to also know the truth of GOD’S Word.

Whether or not you believe that JESUS had physical brothers and/or sisters is not the issue. What is vital is, “do you know JESUS as your Savior and LORD?” If not, now is your opportunity:

Ask JESUS to forgive you for all your sins and ask JESUS to come into your heart and make you complete through the miracle of you being born again Spiritually into GOD’S eternal Family through faith in JESUS.

It is not saying the right words. It is all about the attitude of your heart.

If you prayed such a prayer or similar, then welcome into GOD’S eternal family. You have been born-again, and you are GOD’S eternal Son or Daughter. You have the Holy Spirit residing in you. The Holy Spirit will confirm your salvation with at least one or more Spiritual Gift(s) and will open your Spiritual eyes to all truth. You have full and complete access to JESUS and GOD 24/7. The Holy Spirit is your teacher and revealer of truth.

If you are not already in a Bible believing and teaching church or fellowship, then pray and ask JESUS to lead you to where you can be fed, serve and grow Spiritually.

Rejoice and tell a fellow believer that you have asked JESUS to forgive you for your sins and asked JESUS to come into your heart.

I rejoice with you and pray for you!!! Welcome HOME!!!

Blessings!!!

Addendum: The Apostle Paul’s testimony in James 1 ¹³ For you have heard about my former way of life in Judaism: I intensely persecuted God’s church and tried to destroy it. ¹⁴ I advanced in Judaism beyond many contemporaries among my people, because I was extremely zealous for the traditions of my ancestors. ¹⁵ But when God, who from my mother’s womb set me apart and called me by his grace, was pleased ¹⁶ to reveal his Son in me, so that I could preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone.^[d] 17 I did not go up to Jerusalem to those who had become apostles before me; instead I went to Arabia and came back to Damascus.

¹⁸ Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to get to know Cephas,^[e Peter^] and I stayed with him fifteen days. ¹⁹ But I didn’t see any of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. ²⁰ I declare in the sight of God: I am not lying in what I write to you.

²¹ Afterward, I went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia. ²² I remained personally unknown to the Judean churches that are in Christ. ²³ They simply kept hearing, “He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith he once tried to destroy.” ²⁴ And they glorified God because of me.^[f]

Blessings!!!

 

  

Bible Study - Thanksgiving - JESUS, The Gift That On Keeps On Giving - John 3, John 7 and Acts 1 - November 30, 2025

 

Bible Study – Thanksgiving – JESUS, The Gift that Keeps on Giving – John 3, John 7 and Acts 1 – November 30, 2025

Let us consider John 3:16-21:

John 3: ¹⁶ For God loved the world in this way:^[e] He gave^[f] his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him (or her) will not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. ¹⁸ Anyone who believes in him (JESUS) is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God. ¹⁹ This is the judgment: The light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. ²⁰ For everyone who does evil hates the light and avoids it,^[g] so that his deeds may not be exposed. ²¹ But anyone who lives by^[h] the truth comes to the light, so that his (or her)  works may be shown to be accomplished by God.”

First, to whom was JESUS speaking?

As we read in John 3:1 There was a man from the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. ² This man came to him at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one could perform these signs you do unless God were with him.”

Who was Nicodemus? He was a Pharisee, a ruler of the Jews. The Pharisees believed in the resurrection, whereas the Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection. (That is why they were sad-u-see) Nicodemus was a member of the Sanhedrin, which was the ruling council of the Jews.

JESUS in HIS conversation with Nicodemus, revealed the great eternal mystery, that a person must be “born again.”

We are all born physically as humans but for any human to live eternally in Heaven, he or she must be born a second time. This second birth is a Spiritual birth.

All humans are born by the union of the human sperm and egg.

The union of the human sperm and the female egg results in a human, who has a human body and spirit.

Consider the human spirit as the egg that must be fertilized by the Holy Spirit, The Divine Sperm, when united results in a person being “born-again” Spiritually. It is this second birth, through faith in JESUS, which makes a person an eternal Son or Daughter of GOD.

We know that after the Passion of JESUS, Joseph of Arimathea went to Pilot and asked for the body of JESUS, as recorded in John 19:38-42:

Jesus’s Burial

³⁸ After this, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus—but secretly because of his fear of the Jews—asked Pilate that he might remove Jesus’s body. Pilate gave him permission; so, he came and took his body away. ³⁹ Nicodemus (who had previously come to him at night) also came, bringing a mixture of about seventy-five pounds^[j] of myrrh and aloes. ⁴⁰ They took Jesus’s body and wrapped it in linen cloths with the fragrant spices, according to the burial custom of the Jews. ⁴¹ There was a garden in the place where he was crucified. A new tomb was in the garden; no one had yet been placed in it. ⁴² They placed Jesus there because of the Jewish day of preparation and since the tomb was nearby.

This was a bold move by both Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. They claimed the body of JESUS and placed HIM in a nearby new tomb and “bringing a mixture of about seventy-five pounds^[j] of myrrh and aloes. ⁴⁰ They took Jesus’s body and wrapped it in linen cloths with the fragrant spices, according to the burial custom of the Jews.”

We know that Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea were both Pharisees and thus believed in the resurrection of the dead. Joseph of Arimathea requested the body of JESUS. Pilot granted his request. Nicodemus brought seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloes to begin the preservation process of JESUS’ physical body, according to the burial custom of the Jews.

The lady followers of JESUS went to the tomb of JESUS early Sunday morning to complete the embalming process on Sunday (our Easter morning) and found an empty tomb.

The female followers of JESUS finding the empty tomb before JESUS’ disciples give us a vital clue to the authenticity of the facts of the resurrection of JESUS. Why? If the resurrection had been concocted someone other the women would have discovered the empty tomb.

JESUS willingly gave HIS sinless life upon the cross to pay in full for all sin, but a person has to accept what HE did. Do you believe that JESUS is GOD’S promised Messiah?

The resurrection of JESUS is vital for all who place their faith in HIM. IT IS VITAL TO US TODAY AND IT WAS VITAL TO JESUS’ OWN HALF-BROTHERS, WHICH I FIND INTERESTING ------

Let’s take a side trip back to the half-brothers of JESUS as recorded in John 7:1 After this, Jesus went around in Galilee. He did not want^[a] to go about in Judea because the Jewish leaders there were looking for a way to kill him. ² But when the Jewish Festival of Tabernacles was near, ³ Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave Galilee and go to Judea, so that your disciples there may see the works you do. ⁴ No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.” ⁵ For even his own brothers did not believe in him.

But let’s consider the facts after the resurrection of JESUS regarding the half-brothers of JESUS, as recorded in Acts 1: 1 I wrote the first narrative, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach ² until the day he was taken up, after he had given instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. ³ After he had suffered, he also presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

The Holy Spirit Promised

⁴ While he was^[a] with them, he commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise. “Which,” he said, “you have heard me speak about; ⁵ for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days.”

⁶ So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?”

⁷ He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. ⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

The Ascension

⁹ After he had said this, he was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud took him out of their sight. ¹⁰ While he was going, they were gazing into heaven, and suddenly two men in white clothes stood by them. ¹¹ They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen him going into heaven.”

United in Prayer

¹² Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem—a Sabbath day’s journey away. ¹³ When they arrived, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. ¹⁴ They all were continually united in prayer,^[b] along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

What a difference the resurrection made in the lives of JESUS’ brothers.

The same is true for all who place their faith in JESUS and experience the miracle of being “born again” and being filled with the Holy Spirit.

In a number of church denominations, you do not hear about being filled with the Holy Spirit or receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

As we approach the second coming of JESUS, I believe we will see an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the lives of true believers.

Are you and I open to receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit and to apply it or them as guided by the Holy Spirit?

Do you know JESUS as your Savior? Is HE your LORD?

If not, now is the time for you to ask JESUS to forgive you for all your sins and ask JESUS to come into your heart. It is not about saying the right words, but it is all about your heart or your innermost being where truth resides. Dear JESUS, I know I am a sinner and I need for YOU to save me from the consequence of all my sins and I ask YOU to forgive me for all I have done wrong and I ask YOU to come into my heart now and redeem me from Hell and make me YOUR child through the miracle of Spiritual Birth.

If you prayed such or similar prayer, then thank JESUS for coming into your heart and making you whole and confirming it with the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life.

Now, as a newborn, you need Spiritual nourishment i.e. tell a fellow believer what you have done, read and study GOD’S Word, The Bible, talk to GOD, which is prayer, ask HIM to lead you to a Bible teaching, believing and practicing body of believers, if you are not already in such a body.

Welcome HOME!!! And to those already home – Blessings!!!

Blessings!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Bible Study - Fruit of the Spirit - Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 1; Luke 15 - November 23, 2025

 

Bible Study – Fruit of the Spirit – Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 1; Luke 15 – November 23, 2025

Galatians 5:22-23 - Christian Standard Bible

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things.^[a]

Fruit comes from a plant, vine, or tree.

In last week’s study, we saw that JESUS is the vine and those who have been “born-again” are the branches. GOD is the Gardner.

We discussed in our last study the importance of the preparation of the soil where the fruit producing product is planted.

As humans, we had no choice regarding our parents or where we would be born. But WHO did? GOD.

So, how can GOD hold humans accountable? It is all about the innermost being of every human.

Where were you before you were born? I contend. You and I were all in the heart and mind of GOD.

The Apostle Paul, touches on this in Ephesians 1: 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will: To the faithful saints in Christ Jesus^[a] at Ephesus.^[b]

² Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Why do I keep referring to Ephesians 1?

Scripture reveals that the Apostle Paul/Saul was not only a student of the Old Testament, but GOD did mighty works in his life to reveal the truth both within him, through his earthly life and through the application of HIS Word.

The same is true for all who seek and become Spirit-born Christians through faith in JESUS and commit their lives to walk and serve as led by JESUS through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 1:3-19 - God’s Rich Blessings

³ Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ. ⁴ For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him.^[c] 5 He predestined us to be adopted as sons (or daughters) through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, ⁶ to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the Beloved One (JESUS THE CHRIST).

GOD chose us before the foundation of the world. HE wanted humankind to be free thinkers and designed us with the freedom to choose. However, with the freedom to choose comes the responsibility and consequence for our choices – good or bad. One choice is for a person to place his/her faith in JESUS. What does choosing JESUS as your Savior mean to you? It means being born again. A person’s first birth is human for a period of time, then physical death. A person’s second birth in Spiritual and is eternal through faith in JESUS and HIS life upon earth and HIS Passion, which includes HIS resurrection and ascension into Heaven to take HIS seat at the right hand of GOD, HIS FATHER. JESUS is the advocate for all Holy Spirit born believers. Why? Satan is the accuser of all Christians, but JESUS is our Heavenly Advocate.

No person born physically had a choice in his/her first conception, but GOD did. However, all people have a choice regarding his/her second birth, which is eternal, through faith in JESUS. JESUS, GOD’S only SON willingly came to earth to pay, in full, for the penalty of all sin. GOD chose us but the question is, “Do we choose HIM through faith in JESUS?” That is GOD’S plan of salvation or HIS redemptive plan through the miracle of Spiritual birth.

⁷ In him (JESUS) we have redemption through his (shed) blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses (sins), according to the riches of his grace ⁸ that he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding.^[d] 9 He made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he purposed in Christ ¹⁰ as a plan for the right time^[e]—to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him.

¹¹ In him we have also received an inheritance,^[f] because we were predestined according to the plan of the one who works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will, ¹² so that we who had already put our hope in Christ might bring praise to his glory.

¹³ In him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed. ¹⁴ The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.

Prayer for Spiritual Insight

¹⁵ This is why, since I (PAUL) heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, ¹⁶ I never stop giving thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. ¹⁷ I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father,^[g] would give you the Spirit^[h] of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. ¹⁸ I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, ¹⁹ and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the mighty working of his strength.

What is GOD’S responsibility? In Revelation 3:20

See! I (GOD/JESUS/The Holy Spirit) stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

I have had people to tell me if they heard the voice of GOD they would run. Just know that GOD speaks today in various ways that we will listen.

The HOLY SPIRIT knocks upon the door of our heart and we have the freedom to choose whether or not to open our heart’s door. The question is? Will we answer or how will we answer the knock of THE HOLY SPIRIT upon our heart’s door? Keep in mind that the knock may come as it did when the Prophet Elijah fled to the Mountain of GOD following GOD’S defeat of the prophets of Baal, as written in 1 Kings 19: ¹⁰ He (Elijah) replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of Armies, but the Israelites have abandoned your covenant, torn down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are looking for me to take my life.”

The Prophet was in a cave hiding -----

¹¹ Then he (GOD) said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the Lord’s presence.”

At that moment, the Lord passed by. A great and mighty wind was tearing at the mountains and was shattering cliffs before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. ¹² After the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was a voice, a soft whisper. ¹³ When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.

Suddenly, a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

2 Peter 3:9

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

GOD does not give up on us, please DO NOT GIVE UP ON GOD/JESUS, why?

Hebrews 13:5 – Amplified Version

Let your character [your moral essence, your inner nature] be free from the love of money [shun greed—be financially ethical], being content with what you have; for He has said, “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!”

This is GOD’S promise to all who are in right relationship with HIM through faith in JESUS.

A person can get into the weeds of life after being “born-again” and abandon GOD/JESUS but as a loving FATHER, HE waits and watches for that Glorious day when the prodigal son or daughter returns home. Oh!!! What a feast and welcome back home does the wayward child receive when he or she decides to return home.

If you have abandoned GOD/JESUS, come home because both, GOD and JESUS, are waiting, no sin(s) is/are so great that the shed blood of JESUS cannot atone for it or them. Your part is to confess by asking for forgiveness and accept GOD/JESUS forgiveness.

GOD and JESUS love you. They have never left you. They are where you left them. So, unload all the issues you may have with them and return home. A feast awaits, along with a hug, robe, a ring on your finger and a grand party.

Let’s read the parable of the lost son (or daughter):

Luke 15:11-32

Christian Standard Bible

The Parable of the Lost Son – (Any Christian can go astray but GOD waits for them to return! Once, a person has tasted the goodness of GOD, he or she will have the desire to return home. Guess WHO is waiting for you or them?)

¹¹ He (JESUS) also said, “A man had two sons. ¹² The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate I have coming to me.’ So he distributed the assets^[a] to them (eldest and youngest sons). ³ Not many days later, the younger son gathered together all he had and traveled to a distant country, where he squandered his estate in foolish living. ¹⁴ After he had spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he had nothing.^[b] 15 Then he went to work for one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. ¹⁶ He longed to eat his fill from^[c] the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one would give him anything. ¹⁷ When he came to his senses,^[d] he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food, and here I am dying of hunger!^[e] 18 I’ll get up, go to my father, and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. ¹⁹ I’m no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired workers.”’ ²⁰ So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. ²¹ The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.’

²² “But the father told his servants, ‘Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. ²³ Then bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and let’s celebrate with a feast, ²⁴ because this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate.

²⁵ “Now his older son was in the field; as he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. ²⁶ So he summoned one of the servants, questioning what these things meant. ²⁷ ‘Your brother is here,’ he told him, ‘and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’^[f]

²⁸ “Then he became angry and didn’t want to go in. So his father came out and pleaded with him. ²⁹ But he replied to his father, ‘Look, I have been slaving many years for you, and I have never disobeyed your orders, yet you never gave me a goat so that I could celebrate with my friends. ³⁰ But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your assets^[g] with prostitutes, you slaughtered the fattened calf for him.’

³¹ “‘Son,’^[h] he said to him, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. ³² But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother (or sister) of yours was dead and is alive again; he (she) was lost and is found.’”

JESUS gave us this parable to help us see GOD’S Grace through JESUS versus the Law. The Law is ridge, whereas Grace is the expression of GOD’S love to all sinners.

GOD’S grace is expressed through JESUS as written in John 3:16:

¹⁶ For God loved the world in this way:^[e] He gave^[f] his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. ¹⁸ Anyone who believes in him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he (or she) has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God. ¹⁹ This is the judgment: The light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. ²⁰ For everyone who does evil hates the light and avoids it,^[g] so that his (or her) deeds may not be exposed. ²¹ But anyone who lives by^[h] the truth comes to the light, so that his (or her) works may be shown to be accomplished by God.”

Ephesians 1:20 God’s Power in Christ

²⁰ He (GOD) exercised this power in Christ by raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens— ²¹ far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given,^[i] not only in this age but also in the one to come. ²² And he subjected everything under his feet^[j] and appointed him^[k] as head over everything for the church, ²³ which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.

Is the Holy Spirit knocking/speaking to you? He GETS YOUR ATTENTION ANYWAY YOU WILL LISTEN. IF YOU HAVEN’T ALREADT MADE A PROFESSION OF FAITH, Now is your opportunity to pray and ask JESUS to come into your heart, redeem you from the consequence of all sin, which is eternal death in Hell, but faith in JESUS results in eternal life through faith in JESUS by the grace of GOD AND ETERNITY IN HEAVEN.

What does it mean for a person to be “born-again” through faith in JESUS as proven by HIS passion?

What does John 3:16-18 reveal: ¹⁶ For God loved the world in this way:^[e] He gave^[f] his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. ¹⁸ Anyone who believes in him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.

What is written in Revelation 2:17?

“Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. I will give the victor some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name is inscribed that no one knows except the one who receives it.

Burl Ives sung a song, “There is a new name written in Glory and it is mine.” Hopefully you can sing that song as well!!!

What is written in Philippians 3:20 - Christian Standard Bible for those redeemed?

²⁰ Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.

What is written in 2 Corinthians 5:20 - Christian Standard Bible?

²⁰ Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making HIS appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.”

As Holy Spirit born (Born-again) believers, The indwelling Holy Spirit is our assurance, guide, teacher and comforter that we are GOD’S eternal Son or Daughter and HIS Grace is sufficient.

Have you been in the weeds of the world? Just like the Father of the prodigal son, GOD is waiting for you to come HOME and back into fellowship with HIM. No sin is greater than GOD’S Grace. Welcome Home!!!

Blessings!!!

 

Bible Study - The Budding of the Tree or Vine - John 3:16-21 and John 15:1-8 - November 16, 2025

 Bible Study – The Budding of the Tree or Vine – November 16, 2025

The bud on a fruit bearing tree or vine is a sign that there is potential for fruit.

There is a lot the gardener has to do to prepare the tree or vine to grow and produce its intended fruit. The sight must be selected, the soil has to be prepared where the vine or tree will be planted i.e., rocks removed, soil tilled, fertilized, water, weeds removed, sun, rain, watching over and tender love and care. Likely, much more from those who are gardeners.

GOD knows our heart and prepares those who are to receive salvation. Some, HE knows, have hardened their hearts to block the Holy Spirit from ministering to them. Hardening your heart prevents the Holy Spirit from revealing the truth of JESUS and HIS redemptive plan.

The good news is, if you are worried that you have committed the unpardonable sin, you haven’t because if you had, you would not be worried.

What was and is the purpose of GOD sending JESUS into the world?

John 3: ¹⁶ For God loved the world in this way:^[e] He gave^[f] his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. ¹⁸ Anyone who believes in him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God. ¹⁹ This is the judgment: The light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. ²⁰ For everyone who does evil hates the light and avoids it,^[g] so that his deeds may not be exposed. ²¹ But anyone who lives by^[h] the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.”

JESUS gave us a beautiful example in The Vine and the Branches in John 15:1-8:

15 “I (JESUS) am the true vine, and my Father (GOD/YAWH) is the gardener. 

First, as humans we have to be grafted into the vine or JESUS through faith that JESUS is the promised Messiah sent by GOD to pay, in full, for the sins of every person who places his/her faith in JESUS and HIS Passion.

When any person recognizes his/her need for salvation, JESUS, knocks on that person’s hearts door as confirmed in Revelation 3:20

Christian Standard Bible

²⁰ See! I (JESUS/THE HOLY SPIRIT) stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

JESUS respects the privacy of the individual. HE knocks and it is up to the individual to respond to HIS knock. When HE knocks will you open the door of your heart?

Revelation 3:20: ²⁰ See! I (JESUS) stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

When an individual opens his/her heart’s door, JESUS enters. Being GOD, HE already knows where we hide the things we do not want HIM to see. We need to open the door and invite HIM into our lives and tell HIM our house is in a mess. Ask HIM to guide us in how to clean it, which may be to seek wise counsel from a fellow Christian, or our pastor or priest or Christian counselor.

Just think, when we let our physical house get into a mess, it is often difficult for us to get motivated to Spring clean it. But with GOD’S help, when we do, how much we appreciate living in a clean home.

The same is true when we confess our sins and ask GOD to forgive us.

However, the secret is to keep our life clean through confession of our sins, prayer, Bible study, fellowship with fellow Christians, and responding to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. When we try to hide our sins, doing so gives Satan a clue that we are subject to compromise.

Back to our scripture – John 15:2-8:

2: Every branch in me that does not produce fruit he (GOD) removes, and he (GOD) prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit. ³ You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. ⁴ Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. ⁵ I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me. ⁶ If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. ⁷ If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. ⁸ My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be^[a] my disciples.

GOD, THE FATHER, GOD, THE SON and GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, THE THREE ARE ONE – THE TRINITY. THE THREE EQUAL UNITY.

We read in Genesis 1: ²⁶ Then God said, “Let us make man^[e] in^[f] our image, according to our likeness. They will rule ----

The Trinity was present when earth was formed, and mankind was fashioned to live upon planet earth.

We fast forward to 2 Corinthians 5:4-6:

⁴ For while we are in this tent (human body), we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. ⁵ Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

⁶ Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord.

The destination of all Holy Spirit redeemed people is heaven but while we remain in our human, “Spirit-born” bodies through faith in JESUS, GOD has work for us to do upon earth as HE leads and directs all who are “born-again”/ “Spirit-born.”

GOD in HIS foreknowledge planned HIS redemption plan for humans. First, GOD revealed Himself to Moses The Law and then Grace through the life, death, resurrection, ascension into Heaven, JESUS!

GOD’s Grace through faith in JESUS equals being “born-again,” eternal life, citizenship in Heaven, ambassador for JESUS, and so much more.

So much more!!!                                                                 

If you have not asked JESUS to forgive you for your sins and for HIM to come into your life, please do so now:

Dear JESUS thank YOU for leaving YOUR home in Heaven to come to earth to pay, in full, for all of my sins. I place my faith in YOU, JESUS, as proven by YOUR sinless human life upon earth, human death, burial, bodily resurrection on the third day, as the first to conquer physical death. I ask YOU to come into my heart now and through the miracle of Spiritual birth make me an eternal child of GOD.

It is not saying the right words, it is all about your heart. Some people have said, “LORD, I give up and want to be YOUR eternal son or daughter. In the twinkle of your eye, you are Spiritually born-again into the eternal family of GOD, never to be Spiritually unborn.

Welcome my brother or sister to the Family of GOD in the powerful name of JESUS.

Blessings!!!