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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John wants us to stand in praise of Jesus as God and as the One who reveals the unseen God to us, just as the word reveals an unseen thought. This is something I read on line in Bible scripture. Do not even know where I found it, but I do think John was trying to help see the action of Jesus so we could know the Father better.
I have just turned My life over to God. Being a Catholic for over 40 years and never learning the truth in the Bible I needed a change. I was hungry for to learn about our Lord. I will continue to learn and grow. I have never felt so happy and excited to, I am like a sponge.
I am so inspired to get back into BSF and change lives in my family, friends and any acquaintance that God puts in my path. Thank you!
Thank you so much Hollie! I am a TL that has been struggling to get my head/heart into the the “game” this year. The Holy Spirit empowered your words to touch my heart in a much needed way.
Thanks for the blog.Yes it’s important to make Christ known .Praise God that His word came down to us through his Son and revealed himself to us.I like the diversity in the group.Currently I’m helping someone in the group who wants to improve her English but has problems reading the lengthy notes and doing the lessons. She sent this blog to her bin because she couldn’t cope with too many bsf emails.I told her it’s good to read but realised it would take too much of her precious time to get into God’s word.She’s working and has a family so I understand her problems.
I’m praying for the notes to be simpler to help members to enjoy the study of God’s word
I’m looking forward to the study of John which I’m encountering for the third if not the fourth time in my bsf studies. This is the first book I did when I first joined bsf, a couple of years ago. This time I’m approaching it with a quest for new revelations and understanding as I’m at a different level in my unending growth in faith. I’m indeed a beneficiary of God’s grace.
Indeed !!! As I study the book of John , I trust Holy Spirit to help me grow to know Him personally so that I will make Jesus known . May His transforming power change me inside out ! Amen 🙏🏻
Thanks
I realize until I receive fully and comprehensively the Love of Jesus for myself, I can not truly love others. I find that many of my decisions in life have been influenced by my ego and agenda. To prove my worth and my rights in total opposition to submission to God and His Wisdom and His Agenda. It’s humbling yet invigorating because He will clear the path and He will do the saving and He will give the Holy Spirit Power to reach the hearts of Men and Woman and Children He can reach through me. Why do I think I’m too late or missed the moment? Why do I think that I’m the only one that has prayed and prayed and waited and waited for salvation to come. God patiently waits and so can I…..God has infinitely been aware of what is needed to reach the hearts of those that He puts across my path……can I not join Him and stop worrying that I have missed the moments. If anything, last Years BSF class taught me , Gods Word makes it clear that humans repeat themselves and go back into their dysfunctional patterns again and again. There is gonna be another opportunity. If not me than some other servant of God will have a go at sharing the truth in love towards them. He wants salvation for his children as much as I do if Not Deeper and Longer and More Fervently than I!! No DOUBT, I give up too easy and He never gives up.
I am so thankful to start again.
Thank-YOU for reaching out to us and encouraging us to reach out to others.
I have unsaved family and I have such a difficult time getting them to listen and just plain not believe. I’m praying God will use this study to use me and open their hearts.
i have been a student of BSF for years. But last year was the hardest study because of the large amount of reading and amount of times in answering the questions. I hope you all took all of this into consideration with the study of John.
I would like to go this study via home online.
I need instructions as how to proceed.
Thank you.
Cordially,
Charlotte Huffhines
Hi Charlotte! We would love to have in BSF Online. You can find a group a bsfonline.org. Thank you!
I have learned how God wants me to live through the study of the Bible in BSF.
Dear BSF FAMILY,
The community of BSF is rich and deep, growing year after year after year. Our friendships multiply from Group to Group. I love it when I’m in a Class where Discussion Groups mix the young and old together. The sharing is so beautiful; everyone is so eager to hear from the other ages, and all viewpoints allow for fantastic growth! I love to see God in ways that give color to God’s BSF Rainbow.
God has given me the privilege of sitting under many TLs across the USA and watching BSF blossom under His Guidance. As He moves us closer to fulfilling the Great Commission until Christ returns, may we all treasure the knowledge of the Gospel of John from around the world.
Serving Him Together,
Linda
Like the double helix of DNA, grace & Truth are knit together. Jesus IS Truth (one of His many monikers….Bread, Life, Light,and Word, to name a few), and He is filled with grace.
I’m 58 and I’ve been in BSF almost half my life. I love it. I love my sisters in Christ and I love the kids I get to share Jesus with. Planting seeds into their little lives is such a blessing.
After 20+ years of going to church with my kids in tow, my husband not only started going to church and being involved in the men’s church studies, he is now a very devoted deacon! God is so so good. I am trusting that God will guide my husband on to BSF one day. I’ve made being in God’s word my life and what a blessed life it has been, even with the storms we weather. God changes and grows us daily. All glory to God who is always with us.
When I came to bsf many years ago, they were halfway through the book of John. I learned so much in such a short time that I had to come back and see what else I could learn, so I’ve been here every year since. This will be my second full study of John, and I’m so excited to learn something new again.
I have been in BSF studies before, but got wrapped up in other things and was absent from the last couple of years.
I am back now and know this will be a good study.
My life was changed so much by the previous time of pursuing God.. I know it’s what we should do.
My comment is that my husband was in BSF and he used to tell me the good conversion from the holy spirit. I was working in 8 countries and studying PHD for 4 years graduating on the 5th year.
During my travels, I used to take some time and study BSF. That was 2006 when I traveled and read both BSF and work with my equipments. I felt tired in the field but my PHD had to be completed. I graduated my PHD in 2013. I continued to learn BSF even today for many years. I am now a consultant doing Research and BSF. May God be glorified.
I have studied Bsf for the past 9 year and in deed i have seen how God has changed my life.Through bsf i have learnt to totally depend on God.i want to thank the whole team that work behind the scene to make sure that bsf classes run smoothly.only God who can be able to reward you.once again thanks so much BSF fraternity.
Thank you for sharing. Looking forward being part of the book of John. BSF has helped me get better understanding of the Bible
I would like to know beyond the historical Jesus to knowing Him, so others can know Him through changed me.
Looking forward to having increased faith through the study of John’s Gospel and be able to share the wonderful knowledge of the love of God to humanity 🙏 I seek transformation to live Christ like life for my salvation 🙏
BSF transforms us to be more like Jesus as we read His Word & ask Him to change our hearts to reflect His love towards others we meet🙏
I have been a Christ follower for over 6 decades, I began going to BSF roughly 6 years ago because of a good friend’s repeated invitations. Since coming to BSF I have learned so much through study and its clear and inadept teaching. I so enjoy the diversity of participants and what diverse participants bring through dissuasion and shared experiences. My prayer for this session is that we will all share Go’s truth in love and show His grace during our daily walk-in obedience to God’s truth so that our live will make Christ known to others.
I enjoy being with BSF and have been for a few years. You always seem to learn more and grow in God’s Word. Activating the Holy Spirit with my Faith as my Grandson says Holy Spirit Activate he is 11 years old. God is so Faithful from Generation to Generation God Bless You Sherry Franks
BSF has greatly transformed my life. I have learned to offer grace to others because of the Grace Jesus offers to me daily.
I joined BSF in Jan 2012 and my life has never been the same.
I will study John for the second time and I pray for new revelation and continued learning
My wife started attending BSF women’s classes long before me. She used to share the learnings and how BSF helped change her perception about gospel etc. I too was attracted to BSF, when the men’s classes started in our country. Now I am a GL. First time when I was given the opportunity to become a GL, I refused. But a year later, once again I was asked. This time, I requested for a week to think it over. After a careful thought, I wanted to once again refuse due to hectic work schedule, lack of Bible knowledge etc. While I was preparing to convey my unwillingness, I happened to watch a video narrating the life experiences of a Doctor who has been serving in God’s Ministry. One line which he spoke caught my attention “God doesn’t require your qualifications, skills or ability, HE only need your time’. I felt like, God was speaking to me directly. Without much thinking, I decided to serve as GL and wanted to inform the TL immediately after the video which I was watching. After I finished the video, I saw a message from TL reminding me about my decision. My answer was YES. I firmly belive it was God’s call. I am now very happy to serve as GL in BSF. All praise and honour to HIM.
Miss having BSF meet in Napa!
Where can I purchase the study book?
Hi Rowena! You can visit the BSF Store through mybsf.org (or bsfonline.org if you are in an online group and use that platform to get your lessons).
Thank you for sharing your heart the book of John. I enjoyed what you had to say. I look forward to studying the Book of John again.
Praise God from whom blessings come.
I searched for a Bible study for years and BSF online came as a blessing for me. I attend a church that has Sunday service that is not in my mother tongue.
My sister who is a bsf leader in our country India told me 6 years back that BSF online is going to open up. Now here I’m for 5 years studying the word. I thirsted for the word of God very intensely. God blessed me with bsf right in the comfort of my home. I am blessed with a wonderful example of a leader- Becky White and a great group of prayer warriors who pray for each other sincerely. I thank God for His Amazing grace and peace 🙏
I am on oxygen 24/7 so I don’t have a home church. BSF has been a life saver for me. John’s Gospel is the most beautiful place to visit and see Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior. My mens group on zoom is my life line . I thank you for all you do to make this possible. Blessings upon blessings.
I came to know Christ at the age of 60. I tried to read the Bible before asking Jesus to be My Savior and Lord – the words came alive and I understood them.
A friend invited me to BSF shortly after that and I began my journey with Jesus. The Holy Spirit is my teacher and he guides me daily. I have learned to ask him – over and over – for help and he hears me and answers my requests. I have made lifelong friends through fellowship with other members.