Tag Archives: life

The Tomb is Empty!

Posted on October 28, 2014 by Don Merritt

John 20 Last time, our lesson closed when Pilate finally sent Jesus away to be crucified. Now we pick up the story after the crucifixion has been completed, on the first day of the new week with Mary Magdalene went … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged Bible study, Christian, discipleship, encouragement, hope, inspiration, Jesus, John, life, perspective | 4 Comments

The Verdict

Posted on October 27, 2014 by Don Merritt

John 19:1-16 These verses comprise one of the most amazing narratives in all of world literature. They tell a terrible story of betrayal, hypocrisy, and weakness, evil and hate, yet through this quagmire of politics, dishonesty and intrigue God’s great … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged Bible study, Christian, discipleship, encouragement, hope, inspiration, Jesus, John, life, perspective | 11 Comments

On Trial

Posted on October 27, 2014 by Don Merritt

John 18:28-40 Our story has progressed from where we left off last week. Jesus and the disciples left the upper room and went to the garden where Jesus was arrested while at prayer. His response to their demand for him … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged Bible study, Christian, discipleship, hope, inspiration, Jesus, John, life, perspective | 2 Comments

Reflections on Autumn

Posted on October 26, 2014 by Don Merritt

When I was a kid growing up in Los Angeles, I always looked forward to the Fall; it has been my favorite season for as long as I can remember. There’s so much about it to like: pumpkins, changing leaves, … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Life | Tagged autumn, Bible, Christian, Devotional, encouragement, Fall, hope, inspiration, Jesus, life, perspective | 12 Comments

Jesus Prays

Posted on October 25, 2014 by Don Merritt

John 17 This is the longest recorded prayer of Jesus in the entire New Testament. Jesus is clearly one who prays a great deal, and we can gain a great deal of insight into prayer in this chapter. For the … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged Bible study, Christian, discipleship, encouragement, hope, inspiration, Jesus, John, life, perspective | 5 Comments

Things Will Be Different (2)

Posted on October 24, 2014 by Don Merritt

Part 2 John 16:25-33 Jesus is admitting to them that He has often spoken to them figuratively, but that time is coming to an end. The Father will not answer their future prayers as a favor to Jesus, nor will … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged Bible study, Christian, discipleship, encouragement, hope, inspiration, Jesus, John, life, love, perspective | 6 Comments

About the Counselor

Posted on October 23, 2014 by Don Merritt

John 16:5-16 In 15:1-17 Jesus taught the disciples about relationships within the community of believers and instructed them it would be characterized by love. In 15:18-16:4 He taught about the relationship between the community of believers and the world, saying … Continue reading →

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Hated by the World

Posted on October 23, 2014 by Don Merritt

John 15:18-6:4 While the first 17 verses of chapter 15 discuss relationships within the Christian community, verses 18 and following discuss the relationship between the Christian community and the outside world. In the first instance, the relationship is characterized by … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged Bible study, Christian, discipleship, encouragement, hope, inspiration, Jesus, life, love, perspective | 6 Comments

I am the Vine, You are the Branches

Posted on October 22, 2014 by Don Merritt

John 15:1-17 Today we continue our study of Jesus’ remarks to the disciples in the Upper Room. Our passage is one of the best known in all of Scripture in which Jesus uses the illustration of a vine to describe … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged Bible study, Christian, discipleship, encouragement, hope, inspiration, Jesus, John, life, love, perspective | 9 Comments

The Counselor

Posted on October 22, 2014 by Don Merritt

John 14:15-31 Today’s scene is a continuation of the Farewell Discourse of Jesus. Jesus has just told the remaining disciples that anything they ask in his name will be given to them. Keep in mind that in context this was … Continue reading →