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

Acts 9: 10-15

The Story of Ananias

Who? The Journey Bible (NIV) describes him this way; Ananias: 1. The husband of Sapphira; he was struck dead for lying to God  2. disciple who baptized Saul  3. The high priest before whom Paul was tried in Jerusalem

So Ananias was in good standing with God, and then he wasn't, and then he was, and then he wasn't. That sounds familiar doesn't it!

At one point in his life, Ananias was used by God in one of the most significant transformations recorded in the bible-Saul converting from God hater and Christian killer to a Christ following disciple willing to speak out and suffer intensely in the name of the Lord. (Paul)

We all fall in and out of God’s favor, as we allow our human desires and tendencies to control our thoughts and actions.  His grace however, always remains and regardless of our sin, we can be used by God.

Ananias was instructed by God to go to Saul. He did not want to go. Ananias had heard about all the terrible things Saul had done and of his murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He did as God called him to do though, and through him, Saul was filled with the Holy Spirit and was changed.

It is difficult to imagine the Lord using us to deliver the Holy Spirit to others in this way, but it happens. Regular God loving folks like you and I are used as vehicles for God’s purpose all the time.  We may need to approach scary and uncomfortable people or situations for His purpose. We might be stretched far beyond our comfort zone only to feel our actions are futile, but often we are not meant to see the difference we make. The result of our actions may not surface for years, and perhaps we will never know one way or the other, but it doesn't matter. We are to simply  follow Jesus' example, and let the Holy Spirit guide us to where God wants us to be.

Live, Love, Reach out. Our actions may change the life of another,....... for eternity!

Read/Listen to Acts 9:10-15

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

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

James 2: 14-26

Faith Without Works is Dead

Please check out this link to watch Kevin Giannotti as he summarizes James 2: 14-26. I could not have composed a writing that compares to this message. He knows what it means to be a Christian, and  is putting it out there in a way that likely will touch the lives of many who would not have listened if he were just talking. If his style is not for you, that's ok, but please watch through to the end, and envision the lives he may be touching because of the method he uses to communicate this sincere message of the heart.    

Faith and Works by Kevin "Flow" Giannotti--A Spoken Word

Read/Listen to James 2: 14-26