And From Jerusalem His Word

The passion of Paul Lee for Jesus drove him to write John: Loving Jesus and Keeping His Word. Here is one of the most profound reflections on the Gospel of John in our time. Thoroughly researched and written in Lee’s distinct voice, this is a book I wish I had on my shelves fifty years ago, and provides the kind of insight that will reach preachers, scholars, students, and anyone who wishes to learn more about the living Christ for years to come. (Dr. James B. Mooneyhan, Clergy, Atlanta Area of the UMC) The Gospel of John becomes alive anew with the reading of this book. Dr. Lee has compiled a contextual interpretation of the Gospel in a way that informs casual readers and yet challenges serious scholars and seminary students. This is an invaluable resource in sermon preparation, Bible studies, Sunday school lessons, or daily devotions. This work is so extensive, yet very understandable that it should be included in every serious student of the Scriptures! I highly recommend this book. (Rev. Dr. Philip D. DeMore, Former District Superintendent of the UMC) This book is the labor of a lifetime, as Paul Lee shares the fruit of decades of living with the Gospel of John, and for persons committed to serious study of the Bible. The title itself is a challenge as the aim of every Christian. My prayer for potential readers is that they will experience Jesus as “Lord and Teacher,” love him more dearly, and keep his word more faithfully. (Maxie Dunnam, Former President of Asbury Seminary, now Minister at Large, Christ UMC, Memphis, TN) The Gospel of John continues to be an inexhaustible source of Christian faith and theology. Paul Lee has given us a fresh, clear and faithful reading of John, combining chapter by chapter overviews, detailed commentary, and insightful practical reflections on John’s implications for Christian life and witness. This book is an excellent resource for pastors, teachers and anyone who desires a deeper encounter with the Johannine biblical text in relation to the New Testament. (Rev. Dr. Don E. Saliers, Candler School of Theology, Emory University)

The Bible is replete with fundamental knowledge about life that cannot be discovered by research and analysis--only by revelation from the Creator of all that exists. The Almighty Most High God and His Word was written to draw your attention to some of the precious truths that will answer many of lifes puzzling questions. As you continue into Part 2 of the book, you will discover more of what is recorded in the Bible about the following: The life of Ishmael and Israel descendants of Abraham, The origin of the church, Prophetic statements about the near and distant future, And much more. You will be enlightened. The author, a native of the Caribbean, is a devoted follower of the Almighty Most High God and has been reading the Bible for over fifty years. The purpose of writing this book is to help people recognize and appreciate the validity of the Bible and its relevance to all mankind.

In the lands of the East, when a host accepts a man to be his guest he thereby agrees at whatever the cost to defend his guest from all possible enemies during the time of his entertainment ... The host took a piece of roast mutton and handed it to the missionary, saying as he did so, "Now do you know what I have done?" In answering his own question he went on to say: "By that act I have pledged you every drop of my blood, that while you are in my territory no evil shall come to you. For that space of time we are brothers." The Psalmist felt utterly secure, though he had enemies close by him, when he knew that God was his host. "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies". (Wight 1953, 78). This simple example helps to pinpoint the need for careful biblical exegesis. If we want to LET GOD SPEAK through His Word, then we must be able to understand the meaning of that word to the culture to which it was written. But we need to briefly lay a foundation for that study, about defining the actual Bible—the Word of God. What is the actual content of the Bible? Which books are to be included and why? Is it inspired? How are we to then interpret this composite book (of 66 books)? How are we to then discover what this ancient writing has to say to us today in our time and culture? The climax of these foundational issues is the careful exegesis of the bible, with worked examples of several passages to demonstrate a methodology that can be applied to any verse or passage of the bible. This is the basis for preaching, teaching and personal application.

HIS WORD OUR GUIDE takes a panoramic view across the Old Testament, New Testament, and early Christian writings in search of definitive answers regarding early Church organization, doctrine, and practice. The sources speak for themselves with remarkable consistency and clarity, with a minimum of author narrative. Early Christian writings quoted were selected exclusively from the first three centuries of the Church, in the belief that those closest in time to Jesus and the Apostles were in the best position to comprehend His message. The selected references address common misconceptions, and clarify many issues of faith and morals. Particular attention is paid to issues that divide Protestants, Orthodox, Catholics, and Jews. Since we hold so many beliefs in common, a small change in attitude and understanding might help to draw us together. Holy Scripture repeatedly calls us to be united. This work aims to further that cause.

This e-Book contains eighty-four personalized prayers based on scriptural verses that will empower and inspire you in your devotionals as the Holy Spirit works in you. Written in the first person singular pronoun, these prayers can serve as a catalyst for developing or strengthening your relationship with God of the Ages.As you pray the prayers, you will note that inherent in each prayer is the keen awareness of our own need to be changed by God and to be endued with His power to do His divine will. His Holy Writ provides the spiritual direction for each prayer, that is, each prayer is in response to the selected scriptural verses. When we pray, spiritually influenced by the Scriptures, we acknowledge the weakness and sins that it put before us, and we celebrate in praise and thanksgiving as we glorify Him for being our God through Jesus Christ. Our prayers bring us into agreement with God and His power is released to quiet the turbulent soul.Holy Writ (Bible, Scripture) inspired praying is not identical with Scripture praying. Scripture praying personalizes a biblical text. For example, 2 Corinthians 5:1 reads: “Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.†Scripture praying would personalize it thusly:Lord, I know that if the earthly tent I live in is destroyed, I have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.Though similar, Scripture inspired prayers in the context in which I mean it, are prayers inspired by the verse or passage through the work of the Holy Spirit in you. So an inspired prayer from this same verse might be:O God, Whose days are without end and whose mercies cannot be numbered,Keep me deeply aware of the shortness and uncertainty of human life. Grant that Your Holy Spirit lead me in holiness and righteousness and that when I shall have served my allotted time, I be gathered with all the saints of the ages before Your throne at last. This I ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.Notice the difference?Inspired Scripture praying is responding to God in the moment as you are meditating on His Word and being urged by the Holy Spirit to pray, in a contrite spirit, your soul deepest needs in reaction to the Word. It also includes responding to God in praise of who He is as God and what that means to you personally.