The “Songs of the Deliverer” series tells the story of Christ and the Apostles re-imagined in modern day. It is a work of fiction but the stories and characters are based on the New Testament. These Reflections feature Biblical verses referenced in the second book, Faith Wins.
Referenced in Chapter 26
Is it true?
But how could it be? It’s so preposterous, rife with impossibilities. And yet here is the testimony:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
A man was sent by God to save the world? Who could believe it?
John believed it because John was a witness. Here is what he saw.
John and his brother, James, came upon a man. Joined by others, this man said to them:
“Follow me.” (John 1:43)
These disciples began to follow this man named Jesus. He told them they would see amazing things. And they did.
During their travels, they came upon an ostracized woman collecting water at a well. Jesus befriended her and spoke of the coming of the spirit. She wondered if he was a prophet. Then she spoke about the coming of the Messiah. Jesus responded:
“I am he.” (John 4:26)
They encountered a man crippled all his life. Jesus looked upon him and said:
“Stand up, take your mat and walk.” (John 5:8)
The man stood and walked. Soon, a congregation of people began to follow him. After a time a large crowd had formed. When it was time to eat, the food they possessed was insufficient. Yet Jesus distributed the fish and the bread and fed thousands. Afterwards he told them:
“I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35)
Some people were offended by Jesus. They felt that he was undermining their authority and their laws. They scoffed at the notion that Jesus was the Messiah. Jesus told them:
“The one who sent me is true, and you do not know him. I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.” (John 7:28 – 29)
Jesus continued in his ministry with his disciples at his side, John among them. He brought sight to the blind, he walked on the water, he brought a dead man to life. At the end of the journey, they entered the town of Jerusalem. Jesus gathered his disciples to give them instructions. He told them his purpose:
“I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.” (John 12:47)
Jesus then said he would be gone from them soon. He told them how others would know they are Christians:
“As I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34 – 35)
Skeptically, his disciples asked how they would know what to do. Who will show them the way? Jesus said:
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6)
To ensure his continued guidance, he disclosed the gift that God would endow in them:
“The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26)
They took heart in his words. Understanding was finally theirs. Jesus offered one last exhortation:
“Take courage; I have conquered the world!” (John 16:33)
Before he was taken away, he bowed in prayer. His prayers were not for himself nor to ease his coming suffering, but for those who kept the faith. Jesus prayed:
“I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.” (John 17:11)
Then Jesus was apprehended and taken to the rulers of the world. He was falsely convicted, ruthlessly punished, and condemned to death.
Three days later, John went to the cave where Jesus’ body was interred. It was gone. Then Jesus appeared to them, in death as in life. The mission of Jesus, the man sent to save the world, was complete. Now, it fell to John and the others to share the news of the glory of Jesus Christ. John wrote of himself in his Gospel:
“This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true.” (John 21:24)
John was a disciple of Jesus, the Son of God. He testified in the Gospel so people will be saved and raised to eternal life.
John was a witness to salvation. His testimony is true. Now salvation is ours.
Here is link to the book on Amazon: Songs of the Deliverer II – Faith Wins
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