Knowing Jesus to Make Jesus Known
An encouraging note from BSF’s Hollie Roberts
By Hollie Roberts, Executive Director
I love studying John’s Gospel. It was BSF’s John study that helped me see both truth and grace on display. I find it incredible how Jesus never shrinks back from truth for the sake of grace. Nor does He offer grace at the expense of truth.
As one who grew up with an inclination toward truth, I can honestly say, for years I didn’t understand the compatibility and beauty of both grace and truth. I believed I was saved by grace, no doubt. But a careful examination of my life, as well as my harsh assessment of the behavior of people around me, revealed a legalistic streak full of my idea of truth but lacking grace.
When God exposed the hardness in my heart and the depths of my pride, I surprisingly never felt more loved. Through life-changing truth and life-giving grace, Jesus transformed me from the inside out. Only God has the power to do that. I began to view life differently—and others noticed.
Many of you probably share my story. You have been confronted with the truth of God’s Word, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, you have been changed. As Jesus said in John 8:31-32, “If you hold to my teaching, you really are my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
When we experience the freedom of holy truth and lavish grace, our joy is contagious. And that is my prayer for every BSF member who studies God’s Word. I pray we will be a people known for the unchanging truth and unending grace of Jesus. But we cannot get there on our own. Only the work of the Holy Spirit can truly change our hearts. So, as you study John’s Gospel, consider beginning with the following prayers.
“Jesus, help me know You.”
Throughout His ministry, Jesus taught men, women, and children from diverse cultural, social, and economic backgrounds. They heard His words and marveled at His miracles. They called Him teacher, healer, prophet, and miracle worker. They stood amazed, but many walked away unchanged. Though these men and women knew about Jesus, they failed to see Him as Messiah, Deliverer, Savior, and God in the flesh.
Like the crowds who followed Jesus, we can easily read the Gospel of John again and again, storing up more Bible knowledge. But Jesus invites us to experience something deeper. He doesn’t ask us to know about Him; He invites us to personally know Him. He does not simply tell us the truth; He is the truth. In John 14:6 Jesus clarified, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
To know Jesus is to be changed by Jesus. We don’t simply read His words; we know Him to be “the Word” (John 1). Will you prayerfully and intentionally approach your BSF study with a teachable heart?
“Jesus, help me make You known.”
For those early Christ followers, being dramatically changed by knowing Jesus automatically made Jesus known to others.
The men and women who believed that Jesus was Messiah, the Son of God, allowed the gospel to transform their thoughts and direct their actions. Every aspect of their lives—from family to finances—looked different. God used a few faithful followers to impact the world for eternity, and He continues to work through people like you and me today.
As you allow God’s Word to mold your thoughts, affections, and actions, the people around you will notice. I can’t help but wonder, what if every BSF member committed to make Jesus known? Imagine the global impact! And the beauty is we don’t have to look far for opportunities. God calls and equips His followers to love, serve, and share wherever we are with the people already in our lives.
Changed lives change lives
Working at BSF grants me the privilege of hearing stories of how God is using His Word to dramatically change lives. During our John study, we anticipate even more stories like these from real BSF members who witnessed life transformation and longed to know Jesus as a result.
“I first came to BSF because I saw what a change it had made in my neighbor’s attitude and behavior. BSF has been the greatest catalyst in my spiritual growth and walk with God. I know the Holy Spirit will teach me new truths through God’s Word. God has definitely used BSF to change me into the person that I want to be and I just keep on growing and learning!”
– Claudia
“My wife had attended BSF long before I did, and because she was taking time to study God’s Word each night, I was curious. I saw a changed woman, a happier, more contented woman. So, I joined a men’s group. It was then that I discovered my personal relationship with Christ Jesus! Before then, I had known a lot about Christ but didn’t know Him personally! Thank you, BSF. My time spent studying God’s Word, illuminated by God’s Holy Spirit, has literally saved my life!”
– Ronnie
As we seek to know Jesus and make Jesus known, may we be a people who reflect grace and truth. Will you join me in praying for others as Jesus prayed for us? “I pray also for those who will believe in me through their [the apostles’] message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:20-21).
Hollie Roberts
BSF Executive Director
Hollie Roberts stepped into the Executive Director role in September 2021 after serving as BSF’s Chief Field Development officer. Hollie and her husband Kevin have two sons, a daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren.
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This is my prayer as well: I pray also for those who will believe in me through their [the apostles’] message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:20-21).
Looking forward to Bsf
has saved my life many times. I was in the hospital last Christmas. I. I should have died ,but God wasn’t ready for me at that time.I knew that Christ had saved me. I want to walk each day with Jesus.
I am looking forward to BSF
My compliments to Hollie on her Introduction Lecture. Initially I was questioning her statements that Jesus was “the way to the truth”. Jesus IS the truth. Upon searching John’s gospel, I re-read Jesus’ statement the “I AM the way” and I finally understood what she was saying. In our world were truth seems subjective, Jesus is the only path to the absolute, undeniable truth.
Well done!
Amazing Grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me, I once was lost but now I’m found, Was blind but now I see.
I grew up in a Christian family, my father was a priest in the Anglican Church (Episcopal). I attended church services regularly and participated fully in all church programmes but it wasn’t until in 2002, at age 50 when I joined BSF, that I had a personal experience with Jesus Christ my Lord and personal saviour. Since then family and friends have noticed the change in my life – my words, actions and lifestyle are all Christ-centred. I have joy and peace and contentment in my heart and my second marriage is thriving and happy because of my understanding of God’s word. I pray that the Holy Spirit will fill me with more grace and truth as we go through the study of John’s Gospel.
I am excited about the new perspective that the study of John this year has to offer. I have studied the book of John before and I pray that the Holy spirit will help me so that I do not want to walk away unchanged. I desire a transformed life inside out and a personal experience of hearing and knowing the Messiah and benefiting from his miraculous power. I open up to embrace His truth and grace. Above all, my life should be a testimony to bring others to Christ. Thank you Hollie for sharing.
Love your inspiration! Thank you for sharing.
Hi, I have been in BSf for years. But I think the study I learned the most from and connected the dots to other parts of scripture was last years
” Kingdom Divided. I understand the old testament so much more now and with what our church has been studying right now, I can say they go together. I understand how it goes together. I am so thrilled.
I never really had much interest in the old testament, but new I wanted to study it, so I was so glad to have the study last year. I am now studying our Churches Theology class and its on Genesis. So its amazing how God opened the doors all at the right time to be studying the Old Testament back to back. I just love the way God opens the doors in our lives in the direction we should go at the right time.
Thankyou to BSF for all the great studies. Thank God for His many blessings in my life, I’m so grateful for each one, also grateful for the No’s he sends, for without them I wouldn’t realize the yeses.
Amen!
God bless you madam Hollie . I joined BSF last and this has made my life more peaceful. My husband has loved this though he is always in the road . He can’t join the men’s group.
Hello! We are so glad that you love BSF and sad that your husband is not able to participate in a local men’s class. Has he considered a BSF Online group? You can join these groups from anywhere using a personal device/internet. Additionally, he could use the WordGo app to study the BSF John study at his own pace. Thanks!
I’m so looking forward to BSF this year.
What a stunning illustration of the transformative power of God’s Word! Your journey through the Gospel of John’s delicate balance of truth and grace is profoundly inspiring. I, too, have struggled to comprehend the profound union of grace and truth, and your account provides a refreshing perspective. It is a powerful reminder that through genuine introspection and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, not only can we experience personal transformation, but we can also have a positive influence on those around us. As many of us delve into the depths of John’s Gospel, your reflections will guide us to the heart of Jesus. Thank you for sharing this profoundly personal insight. May we all embrace with open hearts the unchanging truth and eternal grace.
Thank you Hollie, for this introduction to the study.
I truly yearn to learn “how Jesus never shrinks back from truth for the sake of grace”, while “His offer of grace is NOT at the expense of truth.”
I grew up with an inclination toward truth, I can honestly say, that I struggle with living the compatibility and beauty of both grace and truth. I believed I was saved by grace, no doubt. But a careful examination of my life, as well as my harsh assessment of the behavior of people around me, reveals a legalistic streak full of my idea of truth but lacking sufficient grace.
Having paraphrased the above to fit my self appraisal, I am truly inspired and highly motivated for the study of John. May the Lord transform me for His Glory.
I have been evolved with BSF for about 10 years. It has changed by life. I have been a Christian for 55 years, however lacking in many of the attributes of the Holy Spirit. I am learning to walk with Jesus as I find him in his word. He has changed my heart and has led me to start a satellite BSF group in my town, even at my church. It’s exciting to see the woman wanting to study and fellowship. I’m out of my comfort zone but depending on God to help me lead this class. Expecting God to do great things.
As I study the book of John this year, I am excited to walk through each chapter and discover more about the One who is full of grace and truth. My heart is drawn to Christ as I read and study the scripture, then sit with other believers to discuss what we are learning. Thank God for leaders and teaching I can rely on and notes to reinforce what we are taught each week.
Thank you
Hollie. I pray the Holy Spirit to fill me with meditation and retention of Gods word. As I go through my studies Holy Spirit fill me more and more with Gods Word.
When you shared about the compatibility & beauty of Grace & Truth, I was really touched. Thank you for your transparency. It touch my heart in a special place. I have been with BSF since Oct. 2022. I’ve loved God’s word since I was a child, but with BSF I’ve grown exponentially.
Thank you
Hollie. I pray the Holy Spirit to fill me with meditation and retention of Gods word. As I go through my studies Holy Spirit fill me more and more with Gods Word.
WE LOVE YOU GREATLY HOLLIE ROBERTS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. WE PRAISE GOD FOR YOU! YOUR WORDS, LIKE JOHN’S WORDS, FILL US WITH JOY.
Thank you Hollie Robert’s, for bringing us joy to our hearts in learning the book of John.