Wow! So much to absorb and reflect upon from Chapt 3. Feel led to place focus on arguably most widely known verse in Bible, 3:16, use this as starting point.
Have to admit over the years that this verse (or more correctly, my application of this verse) has often led to complacency on my part. To "believe" in something is fairly passive, straighforward, doesn't require any great effort on my part, can be achieved from the intellect, without the heart's involvement or any outward actions.
But what about v 18?? Clearlt there is a close link between BELIEF and TRUST. To trust in something requires a response, it means actions supporting words, it requires obedience.
This is confirmed by v36, which makes it abundantly clear just how important obedience to Jesus really is. Our lifelong journey should be about seeking God's will in all situations, both secular and sacred (interesting that at some point we made a distinction between these) and then obediently carrying it out.
While I find this a massive challenge, I'm both comforted and inspired by the words of v27 ..."God in Heaven appoints each person's work". There is a divine blueprint for each one of us. Nothing happens accidentally or coincidentally. We each have a distinct role to play.
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An eight week journey of seeking God as we read.think.pray.live our way through the gospel of John
An Invitation
Please join us during this lead up to Christmas 2009 by doing the four things listed below. Anyone can join at any time throughout this 8 week period although obviously it would be best if you can begin with us on the first of November 2009.
Requirements:
1. Commit to seeking God EVERY DAY in Nov & Dec '09 in a way that is more radical than anything you have ever done before.
2. Read.think.pray.live your way through the Gospel of John in seven weeks (3 chapters each week) and then 1 John, 2 John, 3 John in the final week.
3. Listen to the Holy Spirit and obey whatever he says to do!!
4. Contribute your insights and experiences to this blog.
May we all continue to seek the Kingdom of God before anything else!
Requirements:
1. Commit to seeking God EVERY DAY in Nov & Dec '09 in a way that is more radical than anything you have ever done before.
2. Read.think.pray.live your way through the Gospel of John in seven weeks (3 chapters each week) and then 1 John, 2 John, 3 John in the final week.
3. Listen to the Holy Spirit and obey whatever he says to do!!
4. Contribute your insights and experiences to this blog.
May we all continue to seek the Kingdom of God before anything else!
7 comments:
2 He came to Jesus at night and said to him ...
Why not go boldly in the day? He clearly wanted to talk. Why did he not want others to know?
So often I come to Christ under cover of night. I don't stride boldly through the day into the holies and holies and declare as a Son of God I have come to see Father.
We have all access through Christ. Let us stride into the throne room. Do we honestly believe He is not willing to receive us and hear us?
Thanks for your post this morning Mike from all the way over there on the Gold Coast!
Belief, Trust and Obedience all go hand in hand. I love the chapter in Hebrews 11 all about Faith/Trust. The interesting thing for me is that it was all about what they did in obedience through faith. Noah built a boat, Abraham offered Isaac as an offering, Moses led the people of Israel through the red sea etc. So yeah, thanks for making this point Mike. It gets back to the backbone of this 8 weeks: Listen AND Obey.
Rich, it is interesting that Nicodemus approached Jesus at night. Could it also be that he was afraid of what others would say, what they would think of him.
"Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue" John 12:42
How did Nicodemus know that God had sent Jesus to teach them? "Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you." v 2.
"Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it." Mark 16:20
"So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders." Acts 14:3
I am sure he was worried about others. I was thinking metaphorically not literally. Where is my relationship impaired with Him because I am not bold in all senses...
I was reflecting more on the crippling power of timidity...
That's what I love about these things ... the differing perspectives dependent on ones' life's experiences :)
For me personally, I believe from the HEART and with this, comes trust. For, I would not put my heart into anyone either secularly or spiritually without trusting them in the first instance. I guess, my way then to demonstrate that faith and trust (outward actions) is by striving towards obedience.
The same as, if I was in a committed relationship, i would strive for harmony by respecting the other's needs .... kinda like obedience? ....
Yes timidity is crippling Rich. May the Spirit of the risen Christ in us impart power over this fear and timidity!!
TRUST is absolutely critical Gemma. It was one of the themes that came through strongly at our recent listening weekend. If I REALLY trust then I am happy to submit my will and my life to my God who is good, loving, trustworthy and powerful.
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