<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>fruitfulness – Faith Trekker</title> <atom:link href="https://www.philbickel.com/tag/fruitfulness/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://www.philbickel.com</link> <description>Exploring God's Colossal Promises</description> <lastBuildDate>Tue, 30 Aug 2022 19:51:11 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2</generator> <image> <url>https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/cropped-FT-logo-3.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1</url> <title>fruitfulness – Faith Trekker</title> <link>https://www.philbickel.com</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <site xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">68675342</site> <item> <title>Walking Lessons</title> <link>https://www.philbickel.com/ff-eph-2a/</link> <comments>https://www.philbickel.com/ff-eph-2a/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Phil Bickel]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 30 Aug 2022 19:51:11 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Outfitted]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Rescued]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sent]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#Fullnessorfraction]]></category> <category><![CDATA[adoption]]></category> <category><![CDATA[adoption papers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Building blocks]]></category> <category><![CDATA[chatter]]></category> <category><![CDATA[conversation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[ebook]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ephesians]]></category> <category><![CDATA[exercise]]></category> <category><![CDATA[fruitfulness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fullness or fraction]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Life in Christ]]></category> <category><![CDATA[masterpiece]]></category> <category><![CDATA[prayer]]></category> <category><![CDATA[relationship]]></category> <category><![CDATA[walk]]></category> <category><![CDATA[walking lessons]]></category> <category><![CDATA[yoke]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.philbickel.com/?p=3929</guid> <description><![CDATA[When you go hiking what gear do you grab? Walking stick? Hat? Water bottle? Yet when Jesus outfits you for the trek of life, He offers you a yoke. What is He thinking? ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<body> <p id="block-54d3d4e3-3a82-4d2b-80f9-e1529c027e02">When you set off on a hike what gear do you grab? Walking stick? Hat? Water bottle? </p> <p id="block-54d3d4e3-3a82-4d2b-80f9-e1529c027e02">How about a yoke? Nope! Yet when Jesus outfits people for the trek of life, He offers them a yoke. What was He thinking? What good can this old farm device do us?</p> <p>People often compare life to walking and their progress to a long journey. We also link walking to integrity: “Those who talk the talk need to walk the walk.” However, every person on earth has difficulty walking with consistent honesty and selflessness. Consider how the Apostle Paul addresses this issue in Eph. 2:1-10:</p> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote has-text-align-left is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"> <p>And you were dead in your trespasses and sins<sup> </sup>in which you previously <strong>walked</strong> according to the ways of this world,…<sup> </sup>We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts….</p> <cite>(Eph. 2:1-3 HCSB, emphasis added)</cite></blockquote> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote has-text-align-left is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"> <p>For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would <strong>walk</strong> in them. </p> <cite>(Eph. 2:10 NASB, emphasis added)</cite></blockquote> <p>Note the stark contrast between these verses. Before God’s gracious act of adopting us as His forgiven children, we all walked in rebellion under the influence of our sinful nature, marching to the drumbeat of the unbelieving world and Satan. Our destination? Death, judgment and punishment. </p> <p>After our adoption, our trajectory changes radically. Now we can walk in good works, following the paths of righteousness that God charted out for us long ago. Our destination? To walk the length and breadth of the will of God.</p> <p class="has-text-color has-medium-font-size" id="block-253117d9-c6d9-42c8-a171-48897c454805" style="color:#ab02bd"><strong>Walking Masterpieces</strong></p> <p>How does this transformation occur? God does it! “Even though we were dead in our sins God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love he had for us, gave us life together with Christ—it is, remember, by grace and not by achievement that you are saved” (Eph. 2:4-5 Phillips). </p> <p>Made alive again, God “creates us in Christ Jesus for good works” (Eph. 2:10) and enables us to grow in the <strong>Fruitfulness</strong> of good deeds, thoughts, and words. The transformation is so grand that Paul calls us “God’s workmanship.” The Greek word translated as “workmanship” is <em>poiēma</em>, meaning creation, work, or action. <em>Poiēma</em> is the root of the English words poem and poetry. Therefore, it carries a connotation of artistry, of exquisite, precise craftsmanship. Through our relationship in Christ, “we are God’s masterpiece” (Eph. 2:10 NLT). Thank You, LORD God!</p> <p>The Greek word <em>poiēma</em> occurs in only one other Bible verse, </p> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"> <p>For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made.</p> <cite>Romans 1:20</cite></blockquote> <p>God’s physical creations, from atoms to galaxies, declare His very existence and nature. And we, as God’s new creations — His masterpieces — can proclaim the existence and nature of God through the <strong>Fruitfulness</strong> of good works which He enables do in Christ Jesus.</p> <p>How does this actually occur? </p> <p class="has-text-color has-medium-font-size" id="block-253117d9-c6d9-42c8-a171-48897c454805" style="color:#ab02bd"><strong>The Yoke’s on Me</strong></p> <p>Many Bible verses compare being in <strong>Relationship</strong> with God to the step by step action of walking. Consider this compelling invitation from Jesus to walk with Him daily.</p> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote has-text-align-left is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"> <p>Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. </p> <cite>(Matt. 11:28-30)</cite></blockquote> <p id="block-54d3d4e3-3a82-4d2b-80f9-e1529c027e02">Jesus promises that this old farm device will build your <strong>Relationship</strong> with Him.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Yoke.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" width="800" height="348" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Yoke.jpg?resize=800%2C348&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-2530" loading="lazy" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Yoke.jpg?w=800&ssl=1 800w, https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Yoke.jpg?resize=300%2C131&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Yoke.jpg?resize=768%2C334&ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></a></figure> <p>A yoke is a double collar which allows two animals to share the effort of pulling a wagon or plow. In fact, two draft animals working in yoke together accomplish much more than two animals working separately. In addition, when a mature animal and a young one share a yoke, the experienced animal pulls more weight and trains the new animal how to do the work. That’s what Jesus does for you when you take His yoke upon you and walk with Him. </p> <p>Without Jesus your burdens will remain heavy. Rest and light-heartedness will escape you, because you cannot walk in integrity without Jesus. But with Jesus, your walk can be restful, light-hearted, and fruitful. Even though you won’t always walk with Jesus perfectly, yoked together with Him, you will reach new levels of integrity and bring blessings to many others along your path.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/image.png?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" width="1024" height="31" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/image.png?resize=1024%2C31&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-3476" loading="lazy" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/image.png?w=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/image.png?resize=300%2C9&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/image.png?resize=768%2C23&ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure> <p class="has-text-color has-medium-font-size" id="block-253117d9-c6d9-42c8-a171-48897c454805" style="color:#ab02bd"><strong>Chatter on the Path</strong></p> <p>Is walking in yoke with Jesus a silent exercise? No way! It is reason for constant, two-way <strong>Conversation</strong>. When you walk with a friend, you chat together. Would it feel right, if your walking partner never responded to your comments? Despite occasional lapses of conversation, one or the other walker is sure to renew the dialogue. Talking is even more likely when walking with Jesus Christ, whose seven-mile conversation with two friends, caused their hearts to burn within them (Luke 24:32). As we walk in the path of the <strong>Fruitfulness</strong> for which God created us in Christ, we dialog with the Lord about our course and the next steps before us (Ps. 32:8).</p> <p>To help you walk and talk with Him here’s a prayer exercise that’s also physical exercise. You don’t have to do all the points each time.</p> <ol class="wp-block-list"><li>Go for a walk or even a long hike. </li><li>Start with prayer, asking God to speak to your heart as you walk. Then keep on listening. </li><li>Ponder Matthew 11:28-30 and picture being in a yoke with Jesus. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”</li><li>Think about places where you walk on a daily basis and imagine Jesus always there at your side.</li><li>Recite: “Enoch walked faithfully with God. Noah walked faithfully with God. Abraham walked faithfully with God. Isaac walked faithfully with God. Jacob walked faithfully with God. I am walking faithfully with God.” (Gen. 5:22, 24; 6:9; 17:1; 24:40; & 48:15)</li><li>Focus on your legs. Rather than chanting “left, right, left, right,” say: “trust, obey, trust, obey.” As you do, visualize situations you face which require faithful walking with God.</li><li>Focus on your breathing. As you inhale and exhale, think about prayer, praise, petitions, and thanksgiving. Speak aloud whatever the Holy Spirit moves you to express to God.</li></ol> <p>Try this once. Try it again. Add any other activities and words the Lord suggests to you as you are walking. It could become a regular exercise for body and soul.<br> </p> <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/IMG_1416.jpeg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" width="640" height="224" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/IMG_1416.jpeg?resize=640%2C224&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-3969" loading="lazy" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/IMG_1416.jpeg?w=640&ssl=1 640w, https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/IMG_1416.jpeg?resize=300%2C105&ssl=1 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a></figure> <div class="wp-block-group"><div class="wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/image.png?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" width="1024" height="31" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/image.png?resize=1024%2C31&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-3476" loading="lazy" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/image.png?w=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/image.png?resize=300%2C9&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/image.png?resize=768%2C23&ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure> <p class="has-text-color has-medium-font-size" style="color:#ab02bd"><strong>Dig Deeper</strong></p> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Why were the words <strong>Fullness, Relationship, </strong>and<strong> Conversation</strong> highlighted in the paragraphs you just read? Because they are among the 10 building blocks of life in Christ. Author Phil Bickel explores these building blocks in the 133-page ebook <em>Fullness or Fraction in Ephesians: Our Adoption Papers</em>. </p> <p class="has-medium-font-size">The post you just read is an excerpt from this book. <strong>To learn more you may:</strong></p> <ul class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-list"><li><strong>Read a <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.philbickel.com/no-orphan" target="_blank">brief outline</a> of the ebook.</strong></li><li><strong>Download a free copy at the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.faithtrekker.org/store" target="_blank">Faith Trekker Store</a></strong>. </li><li><strong>Learn about <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.philbickel.com/about-ff/" target="_blank">“FULLNESS or Fraction”</a>.</strong></li></ul> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-tiled-gallery is-style-columns has-rounded-corners-10"><div class="tiled-gallery__gallery"><div class="tiled-gallery__row"><div class="tiled-gallery__col" style="flex-basis:50.91058%"><figure class="tiled-gallery__item"><img decoding="async" srcset="https://i2.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/FF-BB-Block-Names-small-e1560959762720.jpg?strip=info&w=200&ssl=1 200w" alt="" data-height="308" data-id="1523" data-link="https://www.philbickel.com/bb-john3/ff-bb-block-names-small/" data-url="https://www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/FF-BB-Block-Names-small-e1560959762720.jpg" data-width="200" src="https://i2.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/FF-BB-Block-Names-small-e1560959762720.jpg?ssl=1" data-amp-layout="responsive" loading="lazy"></figure></div><div class="tiled-gallery__col" style="flex-basis:49.08942%"><figure class="tiled-gallery__item"><img decoding="async" srcset="https://i1.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/FULLNESS-Ephesians-cover-3.jpg?strip=info&w=288&ssl=1 288w" alt="" data-height="460" data-id="1140" data-link="https://www.philbickel.com/fullness-ephesians-cover-3/" data-url="https://www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/FULLNESS-Ephesians-cover-3.jpg" data-width="288" src="https://i1.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/FULLNESS-Ephesians-cover-3.jpg?ssl=1" data-amp-layout="responsive" loading="lazy"></figure></div></div></div></div> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/image.png?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" width="1024" height="31" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/image.png?resize=1024%2C31&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-3476" loading="lazy" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/image.png?w=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/image.png?resize=300%2C9&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/image.png?resize=768%2C23&ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure> </div></div> </body>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.philbickel.com/ff-eph-2a/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3929</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Fruit Bearing 101</title> <link>https://www.philbickel.com/ff-john12a/</link> <comments>https://www.philbickel.com/ff-john12a/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Phil Bickel]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 02 Sep 2019 09:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Outfitted]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Rescued]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sent]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#Fullnessorfraction]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bickel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Building blocks]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Christian walk]]></category> <category><![CDATA[cross bearing]]></category> <category><![CDATA[discipleship]]></category> <category><![CDATA[ebook]]></category> <category><![CDATA[evangelism]]></category> <category><![CDATA[fruit]]></category> <category><![CDATA[fruitfulness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fullness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fullness or fraction]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fullness or Fraction in the Gospel of John]]></category> <category><![CDATA[kernel of wheat]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lazarus]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Life in Christ]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mary of Bethany]]></category> <category><![CDATA[mission]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Missions]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Model]]></category> <category><![CDATA[obedience]]></category> <category><![CDATA[outfitted]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Palm Sunday]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Phil Bickel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[relationship]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sanctification]]></category> <category><![CDATA[take up your cross]]></category> <category><![CDATA[witness]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.philbickel.com/?p=1852</guid> <description><![CDATA[The Bible calls us to be fruitful. What does fruitfulness look like? John 12 gives five examples. Will I trust the promises in this chapter or seek a mere fraction of what they offer?]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<body> <div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:auto 25%"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" width="600" height="600" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Harvest.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-1854" loading="lazy" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Harvest.jpg?w=600&ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Harvest.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Harvest.jpg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content"> <p style="color:#900546" class="has-text-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>The Bible calls us to be fruitful. What does fruitfulness look like? John 12 gives five examples.</strong></p> <p class="has-drop-cap">1<strong>Lazarus</strong> is fruitful simply by being present at the dinner in Bethany (John 12:1-11). His resurrection from the dead testifies to the divinity of Jesus, causing many Jews are trusting in Him. So it is with all of us who by faith are made alive in Christ. And that is reason enough for the high priest to add Lazarus to his hit list. </p> </div></div> <p style="color:#900546" class="has-text-color">Lazarus bears fruit by being made alive by Christ. If you trust in Jesus, so do you!</p> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" width="1024" height="29" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Grape-divider.png?resize=1024%2C29&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-1265" loading="lazy" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Grape-divider.png?resize=1024%2C29&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Grape-divider.png?resize=300%2C9&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Grape-divider.png?resize=768%2C22&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Grape-divider.png?w=1500&ssl=1 1500w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure> <p class="has-drop-cap">2His sister <strong>Mary</strong> pours costly perfume on the feet of Jesus. Judas, claiming concern for the poor, chides Mary. Jesus defends Mary’s actions, and John informs us that Judas, the treasurer, had his hand in the till. When we publicly express our joy in Christ, someone who is sacrificing nothing (or even harboring a pet sin) may criticize and accuse us. </p> <p style="color:#900546" class="has-text-color">Mary bears the fruit of gratitude and extravagant sacrifice. Let’s not allow complainers to hinder our joy, thankfulness, and fruitfulness.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" width="1024" height="29" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Grape-divider.png?resize=1024%2C29&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-1265" loading="lazy" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Grape-divider.png?resize=1024%2C29&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Grape-divider.png?resize=300%2C9&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Grape-divider.png?resize=768%2C22&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Grape-divider.png?w=1500&ssl=1 1500w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure> <p class="has-drop-cap">3Cheering crowds welcome Jesus into Jerusalem. John 12:18 informs us that many join the crowd, because the <strong>eye-witnesses</strong> to the resurrection of Lazarus had been gossiping this death-defeating news all over the city. </p> <p style="color:#900546" class="has-text-color">By their exuberant testimony the eye-witnesses bear much fruit! What have we seen and heard concerning Jesus? With whom will we share it today?</p> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" width="1024" height="29" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Grape-divider.png?resize=1024%2C29&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-1265" loading="lazy" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Grape-divider.png?resize=1024%2C29&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Grape-divider.png?resize=300%2C9&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Grape-divider.png?resize=768%2C22&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Grape-divider.png?w=1500&ssl=1 1500w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure> <p class="has-drop-cap">4<strong>Jesus.</strong> In John 12:20-24, some Greeks seek an audience with Jesus. The Lord responds to their request by speaking about glory and fruitfulness. What a strange kind of glory it is, for it arrives only by falling to the ground like a grain of wheat and dying in the soil. This death will result in a vast harvest! Jesus Himself is the grain of wheat who, by dying, will produce a multitude of seeds, when the Father gives His only Son so that the world shall not perish but receive everlasting life (John 3:16). </p> <p style="color:#900546" class="has-text-color">At no time does Jesus Christ appear more glorious than the hours when He suffered to free us from the curse that hung over us. We who trust in Him are the fruit of His glorious suffering.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" width="1024" height="29" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Grape-divider.png?resize=1024%2C29&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-1265" loading="lazy" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Grape-divider.png?resize=1024%2C29&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Grape-divider.png?resize=300%2C9&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Grape-divider.png?resize=768%2C22&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Grape-divider.png?w=1500&ssl=1 1500w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure> <p class="has-drop-cap">5<strong>We disciples today.</strong> Now Jesus describes how we too will be fruitful, if we follow His model and example: “Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be” (John 12:25-26a NIV).</p> <p>What Jesus did, He invites us to do. Today, you and I will encounter numerous opportunities to bear fruit by taking up our cross and following Jesus, our Model. Though this pathway appears to be fatal and shameful, our Cross-Bearer promises us: “My Father will honor the one who serves me” (v. 26b). </p> <p style="color:#900546" class="has-text-color">What limits does God place on Jesus’ invitation and promise in John 12:24-26? </p> <p style="color:#900546" class="has-text-color">What limits do I, my church, or Bible scholars place on John 12:24-26? </p> <p style="color:#900546" class="has-text-color">Will I trust the fullness of this text or attempt to seek refuge in a fraction of it?</p> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" width="1024" height="29" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Grape-divider.png?resize=1024%2C29&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-1265" loading="lazy" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Grape-divider.png?resize=1024%2C29&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Grape-divider.png?resize=300%2C9&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Grape-divider.png?resize=768%2C22&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Grape-divider.png?w=1500&ssl=1 1500w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure> <div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-center" style="grid-template-columns:19% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" width="584" height="778" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/FF-John-Book-Cover-1.jpg?resize=584%2C778&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-1202" loading="lazy" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/FF-John-Book-Cover-1.jpg?w=584&ssl=1 584w, https://i0.wp.com/www.philbickel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/FF-John-Book-Cover-1.jpg?resize=225%2C300&ssl=1 225w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content"> <p class="has-drop-cap">This is post #20 in an ongoing dialog about the Gospel of John occurring online at <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.philbickel.com" target="_blank">www.philbickel.com</a>, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/Fullnessorfraction/posts" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzRlt4OwtuwEUf8WHC57K0Q" target="_blank">Youtube</a>. You’re invited to join the conversation.</p> <p>A catalyst for the dialogue is a free 97-page ebook by Phil Bickel, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.philbickel.com/store/" target="_blank"><em>Fullness or Fraction in the Gospel of John</em></a>, which introduces readers to <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.philbickel.com/fullness-or-fraction-the-basics/" target="_blank">10 essential building blocks</a> of life in Christ. </p> </div></div> </body>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.philbickel.com/ff-john12a/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1852</post-id> </item> </channel> </rss>