John 3:13-21

Light Has come Into the World

John 3:16 is one of the most well-known verses in the bible, even to those who do not claim to be Christ followers. The true meaning and impact of this incredible proclamation however is missed by most, and written off as just a bunch of words. Just the most significant words ever communicated, EVER!

The “Journey” (Bible for seeking God and understanding life), describes John 3:16; “This one sentence contains the greatest message, from the greatest source, describing the greatest love, demonstrated by the greatest sacrifice ever given. 

How do we get through to the world? In what way do we approach those who do not understand the heart of our God? What can we say or do to make an impact?

         LIVE              LOVE                REACH

Many look to accomplishments to lead them to fulfillment or spiritual security. Jesus says to us, just as he did to Nicodemus in John 6-7; “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, you must be born again.”

When those not of Christ hear the term “born again” it may scare them off. They might feel as though they must suddenly submit to something foreign and scary, abruptly transforming into some sort of saintly being far beyond their capability. 

The truth is, it is a journey not a moment. Learning about the Lord, and submitting to His word can take a lifetime. Our faith, love, and trust in God evolves over time. We can help that truth be known through the way we approach our own life and relationships with others.

God looks to His people to be a model of Jesus, to LIVE honestly with passion, and thrive to be all we can be for his kingdom. He directs us to LOVE sincerely as He loves. Patiently walking alongside of and taking baby steps with those in this world who do not know Jesus is how we REACH others, never abandoning or giving up on them just as God has promised never to leave us.

Read/Listen to John 3:13-21

Live!

Acts 9:36-43

Today’s reading is about a woman named Tabitha. Scripture describes her as a disciple who was always doing good and helping the poor. She became ill and died. Many who knew her mourned with great sadness.  Knowing Peter was near, they sent for him. Peter bowed in prayer and directed Tabitha to get up. She was offered another opportunity to live; to extend her earthly life. She rose as Peter directed her. This became know all over the area causing many people to believe in the Lord.

We too are offered new life on a daily basis. With each setting sun, God offers his forgiveness if we go to him with a sincere heart and confess our sin with repentance and cleansing as our motive. Every dawn brings us a fresh, new beginning in his grace if we so choose.

1 John: 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Psalm 32:5 I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.

God has provided a way out from under the heavy weight of guilt. That way begins with basic acknowledgment, continues with confession and remorse, and ends with accepting his forgiveness.

Psalm 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.

We CAN begin anew, with a fresh opportunity to live, love, and reach others, for the sake of the kingdom of God. Accept this most precious gift of forgiveness; and do what may be even more difficult-forgive yourself as well, and LIVE! 

Read/Listen to Acts 9:36-43

How do we talk about Jesus in a world that does not know him?

John 3: 13-21

John 3:16 is one of the most well-known verses in the bible, even to those who do not claim to be Christ followers. The true meaning and impact of this incredible proclamation however is missed by most, and written off as just a bunch of words. OMG! Just the most significant words ever communicated, EVER!

The “Journey” (Bible for seeking God and understanding life), describes John 3:16; “This one sentence contains the greatest message, from the greatest source, describing the greatest love, demonstrated by the greatest sacrifice ever given. It contains important words for everyone, especially those who think they have to “be religious” go get God’s approval.

How do we get through to the world? In what way do we approach those who do not understand the heart of our God? What can we say or do to make an impact?

         LIVE              LOVE                REACH

Many look to accomplishments to lead them to fulfillment or spiritual security. Jesus says to us, just as he did to Nicodemus in John 6-7; “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, you must be born again.”

When those not of Christ hear the term “born again” it scares them off. They feel as though they must suddenly submit to something foreign and scary, abruptly transforming into some sort of saintly being far beyond their capability. The truth is, it is a journey not a moment. Learning about the Lord, and submitting to His word can take a lifetime. Our faith, love, and trust in God evolves over time. We can help that truth be known through the way we approach our own life and relationships with others.

God looks to His people to be a model of Jesus, to LIVE honestly with passion, and thrive to be all we can be for his kingdom. He directs us to LOVE sincerely as He loves. Patiently walking alongside of and taking baby steps with those in this world who do not know Jesus is how we REACH others, never abandoning or giving up on them just as God has promised never to leave us.

Read/Listen to John 3:13-21

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Teaching

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 

Envision the Holy breath of God, exhaling His own words through the air into the heads and hearts of the scripture writers. Through them the Lords message was placed onto common scrolls transforming simple parchment into sacred documents from Heaven. What an honor to have been chosen by God as a vehicle for expressing His love.

Those writers were common folk, as are you and I. They became teachers as they discovered God’s design for themselves. Throughout the ages, their writings have impacted and changed the course of history.

We do not have to be teachers by profession to be instructors in the way of an honorable life. Others learn from us by our every word and action.

Romans 12:5 speaks of those in Christ belonging to each other. Our spiritual gifts are expressions of the Holy Spirit. I recall being stirred to reality a couple years ago when one of our young Pastors delivered a message on spiritual gifts, he summarized them as follows:

Prophecy         bringing the message of God to his people

Service            always seeking needs

Teaching         helping people understand biblical truth

Exhortation     an encourager-build people up

Giving             give freely to others to bring glory to God without recognition

Leader             get people organized and focused on God’s plan

Mercy             compassion, kindness, empathy-drawn to the hurting

Though I AM a teacher by vocation, I see that teaching is not necessarily my spiritual gift. Perhaps I am teaching in order to use my spiritual gifts to reach others who may not have otherwise been reachable. What are your spiritual gifts, and how are you using them to reach and teach; to change the course of history for yourself, and for others?

Mark 5: 17-20

 Go to People Like Yourself

I am not able to identify with brain surgeons or international diplomats. How about you? It would be most uncomfortable to be forced into a situation where it was essential to rub elbows with the very rich and famous, as I would have nothing in common with them. Having to mingle with a world class physicists or mathematician would be awkward at best.

Put me in a room with psychologists or teachers on the other hand, and I would be in heaven, so to speak. There would be endless topics of discussion and subjects for me to pick their brains about, and then sit back and ponder as I formulated my next inquiry.

We all have a sense of comfort when with those we have things in common with. Why then do some Christians feel the need to push their beliefs on those who do not have an ear for what they proclaim? Perhaps it is all in the approach, not empathizing with the other person considering their background or paradigm (set of ideas used for understanding something) can bring out negative feelings. No one wants to be preached to about a subject they feel uncomfortable with. It is unlikely we are going to change the lifestyle of another through proclamation. Most humans thrive on relationships. We do not hear what others have to say until we first know they care.

If any of us are going to make a difference in the life of another, we must meet them where they are as Jesus did. He humbled himself. He dwelled among sinners and lepers. He broke bread with the undesirable and spoke to those shunned by their communities. Jesus lived the life of a poor man, and dwelled amidst those like him.

Jesus modeled the perfect, sinless life. We cannot even think about comparing to him, but we can grow where we are planted, spreading the seeds of love and compassion, as we reach out to those near to us. We need not travel the world to make a difference. Often we can simply "Just Walk Across The Room."

Read/Listen to Mark 5: 17-20

Review the Book “Just Walk Across the Room” by: Bill Hybels

Matthew 28:18

                                                               All Authority
        "Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me."

Growing up, I went to a parochial school through 8^th grade, and attended church every Sunday. I feared the Lord, and did what I understood to be what God wanted of me. Once I began high school, everything I had learned seemed to take a back seat to what my “friends” demonstrated as the right thing to do. Entertaining ourselves was the most important thing in the world, and being together took priority over nearly everything else.

I often think back on those days, and have begged for forgiveness time and again for the way I conducted myself. I also wonder how my life and the lives of my “friends” would have been altered had I realized the calling of the Lord on my life here on earth. I thought it was just all about listening to the stories and following the rules set up by the church. My belief was basic and shallow. The expectations I had for myself were minimal at best. I had no idea I was supposed to do something.

The Great Commission, in Matthew 28 is clear. After Jesus’ resurrection, He went to the eleven disciples in Galilee on the mountain where He told them to go. After declaring His ultimate authority, He followed up with: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Our mission was declared, and His promise to always be with us was made known. He will never leave us or forsake us, ever. We are called to carry on the mission of Jesus to;

Love, Live and Reach.

Love God and Love others

Live out the truth of God’s word

Reach people for the Lord.

Read/Listen to The Great Commission