Definition: That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship [is] with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful verse from 1 John 1:3. It's a really important message about trust and relationship. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it’s saying: “We’re sharing something with you that we’ve seen and heard, and because of that, we want to have a close connection with you.” Let’s unpack the parts: “That which we have seen and heard…” – This refers to the things we've learned and experienced through God. It could be anything – reading the Bible, talking to others, witnessing goodness or badness – but it’s all about what we know is true. “…declare we unto you…” – We aren't just telling you these things; we’re making them known to you. It’s like sharing a secret with someone you trust. “That ye also may have fellowship with us…” – This means that by hearing and understanding what we share, you can build a relationship with us. It's inviting you to join in on a deeper connection. “…truly our fellowship [is] with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” – This is the most important part . “Fellowship” means a close and loving relationship. "The Father, and his Son Jesus Christ" are all points of connection to God – He, our Creator, and the person who came to live among us. It’s saying that our relationship with God isn't just about us , but also about being with Him, in a way that’s profound and meaningful. In short, this verse is saying that genuine faith and connection with God are built on sharing what we know and experience with others. It emphasizes the importance of trust and openness within our relationship with God. Does that make sense? Do you want me to explain any part in more detail or perhaps connect it to a specific concept in the Bible?

Definition: Grace be with you, mercy, [and] peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse together! It’s a beautiful and reassuring message. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: “Grace be with you, mercy, [and] peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.” Let's break it down word by word: “Grace be with you” : This means “May God’s grace be with you." It’s a blessing – a feeling of being protected and comforted. It’s about God’s unconditional love for us. “Mercy” : This is really important! Mercy is God's forgiveness, his willingness to forgive our mistakes and hurt. It's not just about letting us off the hook; it’s about restoring us and helping us move forward. “[and]” : This connects the two things above. “Peace” : This is a state of tranquility, calmness, and serenity – a feeling of being at ease with God. “From God the Father” : This refers to God, the source of all life and creation. He’s the foundation of everything. “And from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father” : This connects us to Jesus – his divine nature and his role as the way we connect with God. “In truth and love” : This is the core of the message. It means that everything coming from God (grace, mercy, peace) is true (honest and truthful) and full of love (a deep affection). It’s about a relationship based on genuine goodness. Overall Message: The verse is essentially saying that God wants us to experience a feeling of safety, comfort, and happiness – because He loves us and offers forgiveness and peace. It’s a message of hope and assurance that we are in His care and that everything is going to be okay. In short, it's a declaration of God's love for us, offering protection, healing, and a connection with Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of the verse further? Give an example of how this verse might apply in our lives?

Definition: For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful verse from 3 John 1:3. It’s a really important message about how we should evaluate others. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that the author of 3 John (a letter written to a church in Asia) was pleased when people came and shared something important – specifically, they were sharing the truth about you . He felt good about that! Let's unpack it word by word: “For I rejoiced…” : This is the starting point. The author expresses happiness or joy. It’s not just a neutral feeling; it’s a real, positive emotion. “…when the brethren came…” : "Brothers" refers to fellow believers – people who are part of the same faith community. “Came” means they arrived or were present. “…and testified of the truth that is in thee…” : This is the key part! “Testified” means they shared something important, and “the truth that is in thee” means they revealed something about you . It’s saying they offered you a glimpse of the reality of who you are – your character, your beliefs, your actions. “…even as thou walkest in the truth.” : This is where it gets really important. "Thou" (you) is a formal way of addressing someone. “Walkest” means you’re living your life according to that truth. “In the truth” refers to being aligned with God's will and moral principles. It means you are acting in accordance with what He has shown you. Putting it all together: The author is saying, "I was happy when people came and shared something about you – something that’s true about your character and your way of life. And I'm living my life according to that truth." Why is this important? This verse encourages us to: Be honest with ourselves: We should be willing to share our beliefs and how we live them with honesty. Be open to receiving truth: We need to be receptive to the things others say about us – good or bad. Live a life that aligns with God’s will: It’s not enough to just say you believe something; you must actually live it in a way that reflects His goodness. In short, this verse is a call to live authentically and be truthful about who we are. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points further? Give you examples of how this verse applies to your life?

Definition: All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this really important verse from John 1:3: “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” Here’s a simple explanation in plain language: Basically, it means God created everything . Let’s unpack that a little bit: “All things were made by him”: This is the core of the verse. It's saying that God is the ultimate creator – he brought everything into existence. Everything we see, feel, and experience in this world – from mountains and valleys to people and animals – was created by Him. “And without him was not any thing made that was made”: This part emphasizes that God’s power and skill are boundless. Think of it like a very complex Lego set. God isn't just building things, He's crafting everything with perfect detail and intention. If there were no God, then nothing could possibly be created. It’s a statement of absolute authority and divine power. It reinforces the idea that God is everything and in everything. Why is this important? This verse is often used to highlight: God's Sovereignty: He is in control of all creation. Our Dependence on Him: We are dependent on God for existence, because He created us! In short, it’s a profound statement about the origin and nature of everything. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Give you some context around this verse (like its significance in the Old Testament)? Answer any specific questions you have about it?

Definition: This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this famous verse from John 1:30. It’s often misunderstood, so let’s tackle it piece by piece. Here’s what it means in simple terms: “This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.” "This is he of whom I said..." – This refers to Jesus Christ. John, the author of this passage, was saying something important. "...After me cometh a man which is preferred before me:" – John is comparing Jesus to someone who comes before him. He’s suggesting that Jesus wasn't just any person; he was special and better than any other person who ever lived. "For he was before me." - This is the key part! John says, “He was before me.” This means Jesus existed before time began. He wasn’t created later; he was already God in the beginning. What does this verse tell us about Jesus? The Bible generally interprets this as a powerful statement of Jesus' unique relationship with God and his divine nature. It emphasizes: His Divinity: Jesus is fully God – He is both fully human and fully God. His Position in Time: Because he was before time, he was the first being created. Important Note: This verse is a complex one that has been interpreted differently throughout history. It’s often seen as a foundational statement about Jesus' importance and his special place in the plan of God. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with examples? Discuss its significance within the context of the Bible? Answer any specific questions you have about it?

Definition: And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from John 1:31. It's a really profound and symbolic statement about Jesus Christ. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is telling us that He knew his purpose – and that of all humanity – was to be revealed to the people of Israel. He wasn’t just present - he was made manifest – meaning brought into being, or revealed to them. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And I knew him not” : This is a bit tricky. It doesn’t mean Jesus didn’t know who He was. Instead, it means He didn’t fully understand His own identity and purpose at the time of His birth. He wasn't fully formed or knowing his full potential yet. Think of it like a seed – it’s dormant until conditions are right for it to grow. “But that he should be made manifest to Israel” : This is the key! “Made manifest” means brought into existence, revealed, and understood. It's about showing himself to the people of Israel. “Therefore am I come baptizing with water” : This is where it gets really powerful. Jesus wasn’t just present - He was actively bringing a new beginning! He was initiating a cleansing and transformation, like baptism – washing away the old and preparing for something new. It's about establishing Himself as the Messiah, the promised one. In simpler terms: Jesus came to show himself to the Israelites so they could understand who He truly was - that He is the savior and the one who will bring them into a new life with God. Why is this important? This verse emphasizes Jesus’ role as the Messiah – the promised savior of humanity. It's a foundational moment in Christian theology, showing that Jesus wasn’t just a prophet or teacher but the very embodiment of God’s plan for salvation and redemption. --- Do you want to explore any aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain its significance within the context of the Old Testament? Discuss what baptism represents in a Christian context? Compare it to other passages about Jesus’ ministry?

Definition: And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this incredibly important verse from John 1:32: “And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.” Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it describes the very first moment of God’s action with Jesus. “John bare record”: This means John was writing down what he saw. He was observing and documenting something significant. “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven…” – This is a key phrase. The "Spirit" here isn't just any spirit; it’s God’s Holy Spirit, the divine presence that empowers us and connects us to God. It’s descending - meaning it’s coming down from somewhere. “like a dove”: This is a really powerful image! The Dove is often associated with peace, hope, and new beginnings. It's being described as descending like a dove – gentle, light, and peaceful. So, the whole picture is that God sent His Spirit down to Jesus. It’s like when a bird descends from the sky - it signifies something important and divine happening. What does this tell us about Jesus? He was special: This verse emphasizes that Jesus isn't just any human; he’s uniquely touched by God’s Spirit. He’s empowered: The Spirit is abiding (dwelling) on Jesus, which means it’s actively working with him and giving him power and authority. In short, it’s a beautiful description of the beginning of Jesus' life – a moment of divine presence that fundamentally changed everything. --- Do you want to delve deeper into any aspect of this verse? For example, would you like to know: Why is the Dove a symbol of God? What does it mean for the Spirit to "abide" on someone?

Definition: And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from John 1:33. It's a really beautiful and profound image! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes Jesus Christ as being identical to the baptism itself – specifically, the arrival of the Holy Spirit. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And I knew him not…” : This is a little tricky. It means Jesus wasn’t familiar with himself before He was born and became fully human. Think of it like a newborn baby – they don’t know who they are yet. It highlights the mystery of God's plan. “…but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me…” : This is where the key imagery comes in. Jesus was sent to baptize someone. The person being baptized is meant to be a symbol of someone who needs to experience the Holy Spirit – someone who’s been lost or needing a new beginning. “Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him…” : This is the core of the verse. It means Jesus is the person being baptized. The "Spirit descending" represents the arrival of the Holy Spirit, which is the life-giving power of God. And “remaining on him” – that's crucial – signifies that the Spirit will dwell and live within that person. Putting it all together: Jesus was sent to baptize someone to introduce them to the Holy Spirit. The act of baptism is a way of being introduced to this life-giving power! When the Holy Spirit comes down on that person, they become identical to Jesus – they’re experiencing and living in the presence of God's Spirit. Why is this important? This verse emphasizes that Jesus is fully divine and fully human. He wasn’t just a good man; he was God incarnate , or God made flesh! It’s a powerful image of complete union with God. In short, John 1:33 says that Jesus Christ is the very personification of the Holy Spirit's arrival – he is the one who brings the life-giving power of God to those who are open to receive it. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or teachings?

Definition: And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down John 1:34 – “And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.” It's a really important and fascinating verse in the Bible. Here’s what it means, explained simply: Basically, it’s saying that the author of the book of John (John) witnessed something incredibly significant – the divine nature of Jesus Christ. Let's unpack it a little bit: “I saw” : This is the starting point. It means the person who wrote the account was present and observed something. “and bare record” : This phrase means they were writing down what they saw, as accurately as possible. It’s like a historical document being created. “that this is the Son of God” : This is the core of the verse. "Son of God" is a very important word in Christian theology. It refers to Jesus Christ – he's considered the divine Son of God, meaning he's both fully human and fully God. So, what does it really mean? The New Testament (the Bible we read) describes this as a pivotal moment: Jesus is the unique and special person who was born of the Virgin Mary, became a human, and lived a perfect life, then died for our sins and rose again. He is God’s Son! This verse affirms that he is indeed the divine Son of God. Why is this important? This statement is fundamental to Christian belief. It's a declaration of Jesus' divinity and his unique role in salvation history. It's one of the most central and powerful statements in the Bible. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as an eyewitness account by John, who was a disciple of Jesus. --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of this verse within the larger story of Jesus’ life and teachings? Talk about why it's considered a key part of Christian theology?

Definition: Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this short passage from John’s Gospel (Chapter 1): “Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples.” Here’s a simple explanation: Basically, it tells us about a very important meeting between Jesus and his closest followers. “Again the next day…” – This means it happened on the day after he had been teaching and preaching. It's not just a casual conversation; it’s a significant event. “John stood…” – John was, well, John! He was observing or being present at something. “…and two of his disciples” – This is the key part. Two of Jesus' followers were with him. These weren’t just any followers; they were disciples , which means they were very close to him and devoted to following him. What does this tell us about Jesus? He was busy: He wasn’t just teaching; he was actively involved in a group of people. He was connecting with his followers: It shows that he was maintaining relationships with those who were important to him. He was engaged in ministry: It suggests that he was working towards spreading the good news and sharing his message. In short, it’s a snapshot of Jesus spending time with his disciples, likely discussing things or preparing for future events. --- Do you want me to explain any of this further? For example, would you like to know: What kind of "disciples" were these? What might they have been talking about?