Bible Discussion Thread

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." John 12:25

The above means that if Jesus had not died on the cross, He alone would had remained, without saving anyone to Himself.

Jesus went all the way to the end, without abandoning us. Had He given up during the crucifixion, we would had been lost forever. So He patiently endured the pain. He patiently suffered the nails in His body. Because He had a vision in His mind. He saw the future. He saw us all in His Kingdom, happy with Him forever.

I once wondered. What was in Jesus' mind during the crucifixion? What could He have been thinking? Was He thinking of His palaces in Heaven that He left behind? Maybe the other two persons of the Godhead? Maybe His life there before He became one of us? Maybe His angels? Maybe the pain? No, nothing like that. He was thinking of me and you and you... all of us. He gave Himself courage, as if He were saying to Himself, "Endure my soul a little longer, for John, endure my soul a little longer for Mary, endure my soul a little longer for David, endure a liitle bit for.." In His mind were all of the faces of ours. And He did not want to lose a single one of us. So He endured to the end.

Similarly, are we willing to endure the pain, the nails, the cross to save others? It is not easy. We have to accept ridicule, insults, bullying and so many other things from people of the world who will sometimes try to make our lives a nightmare. But are we willing to suffer to the end? Some of them will never believe, but some will be influenced and attracted to Jesus after seeing our holy behavior.

So? Will you endure the nails to save your wife, your husband, your relative, your friend, your neighbor, your collegue? God will give the grace to bear. But the decision is yours. If you decide not crucify yourself you will be left on your own, just you, noone else.

Hi Giannis,

I have approached relatives regarding The Gospel. However, I struggle to know how to bring up the subject with someone I don't know well. I was praying about this today, and here was your post! Would you share any thoughts on how to do this? Other than waiting on the Holy Spirit to guide me, I have no idea. Anyone else reading this with advice, please respond as well. Thank you so much, and God bless you!

Hello Jenv

In general I think we could talk to people about God's love . That there is a God who doesn't live up there in the distant space just watching us from above, but there is a God who is down here on earth next to us, close to us and to our lives. Who is interested in our lives, ready to help when we ask Him, who can guide our lives, who takes care of us. That there is eternal life and eternal hell. That we are still sinners, regardless of whether we commit small or big sins. And that we need faith in Jesus to get rid of them. We need to repent for our sins. Explain them what Jesus' sacrifice means. Most people do not know why faith in Jesus saves. These things about God's love for people.

But all of this, if the Spirit doesn't give you words, will be just words that don't affect people. The Spirit knows people's hearts. He knows what their problems are, their interests, their pursuits, their needs. And He knows the words that will touch their hearts. So always pray before you speak to people. And always be in prayer mode. I would add fasting occasionally or before you decide to talk to someone. Maybe that last one sounds like a lot, but this is what will make the difference. Fasting and praying before you talk to people. This is what I would do. Blessings

Thank you, Giannis, for answering my question. GOD's love is an excellent place to start. I did this with my husband, but I find it harder with others. It is interesting that you mentioned fasting, as I have just begun to fast this year. Fasting has deepened my relationship with GOD, Jesus and the Holy Spirit every time. God bless your family and you!