John 3
John 3:20-21 – For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Many people live with hidden sins. There’s a great sense of fear, terror, and shame drives us to remain silent because we don’t want that part of our lives to be exposed. When we live in this manner however, we allow sin to live and breed in the darkness of our mind, will, and emotions. We allow sin to have its greatest victory over us, where we become its slave (John 8:34; Romans 6:16).
Sometimes we’re so ashamed that we refuse to speak about our sin to the Lord, who knows and sees all (Psalm 44:21, 139:7-12).
What is Doctrine?
Doctrine is considered an instruction or teaching that can be learned or developed through experience. Doctrine is associated with a person’s beliefs; the way they ‘see,’ perceive, or relate to the world around them. Each person has a countless number of doctrines on the issues, people, and situations they experience on a daily basis. The number of doctrines a person has is countless and continues to be shaped and expanded throughout a person’s lifetime.
Within Christianity, sound biblical doctrine is based on the biblical teachings, experiences, pastors, ministers, and interactions with fellow brothers and sisters in the local church community. Within the context of this message, doctrine will encompass God’s Word. God’s Word is the foundation of good sound doctrine:
2 Timothy 3:16-17 – All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
Most people understand compromise to be a settlement of differences by mutual concessions; an agreement reached by adjustment of conflicting or opposing claims, principles. Compromise is also known as an endangering, especially of reputation; exposure to danger, suspicion (Dictionary.com).
Each day we face numerous decisions that can affect our lives before the Lord. One choice decision can change the course of our lives on earth and beyond. There comes sometimes when you would want to please your spouse (1 Corinthians 7:32-33), children, family, friends, or associates when you know God’s will is entirely different. There is a compromise that occurs, but it is at your (and other’s) expense.
Luke 6:35 – But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
In Luke 6:30-36, Jesus is addressing the manner we are to give and love others. Jesus says in Luke 6:35 that he [God] is kind to the unthankful and to the evil.
We live in a world that ‘tells’ us to hate the unthankful and evil. We are led to believe that they are not worthy of our help, favors, or second chances; we should turn our backs on them without the slightest care or concern – because they would do the same to us; we should get revenge on those that harm us and want to take advantage of us; and we must prove that they messed with the ‘wrong’ person. However, God is kind to them.
It is God’s will that no one is lost (Luke 19:10; John 3:17; 2 Peter 3:9). Yet, in their current state, the unthankful may not appreciate anything God (or anyone else) does for them and the evil will only care for themselves. But God is kind to them…and we should be as well.
Romans 12:17-21 – Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine- I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink- for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
You were once an enemy of God (Colossians 1:21-29)…and He showed you mercy. Therefore, be merciful as your Father is merciful (Luke 6:36).
Photo courtesy of CreationSwap/DouglasShelton
May 9, 2009
Being Born Again
John 3:1-7 – There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
As Nicodemus conversed with Jesus, He explains that a man cannot see the kingdom of God unless is he born again. Though Nicodemus considered the physical aspect of being born again (enter the second time into his mother’s womb), Jesus had another meaning altogether…
There are many reasons why we make the decisions we do. When we look back at the outcome of some of the decisions we made, sometimes we can’t understand how we got into such predicaments, how to get out of them, or what we can do to live as God desires. Listed below is an outline of why we make the decisions we do; the consequences behind them; and how we can make good (and godly) decisions.
1. What consumes our decision making?
- Fear of Man (Proverbs 29:25; John 12:37-43)
- Motives (Proverbs 16:2; James 4:2-3)
- Friend of the World (1 John 2:15-17)
- Emotions (Proverbs 19:2)
- Sin/Temptation (John 3:19-21)
July 28, 2008
God’s Moral Purity vs. His Love
This journal entry was originally submitted as a college course assignment.
How can God, who is moral pure (and exercises justice/judgment) also be loving? There seems to be some ‘tension’ between His moral purity and love…
At first glance, it can seem there is tension between God’s moral purity and His love. But when researching the issue further, we would discover a different outcome. When God spoke to Adam and explained the consequences of eating the fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (Genesis 2:16-17), He gave one of His first ‘commandments’ on how Adam and Eve were to live. He established a baseline for His moral purity as disobedience to His instruction would bring death (and eternal separation). When Adam disobeyed God and brought death (and sin) to mankind, God drew a line of where His moral purity began (and ended).
Throughout the Scriptures, we gain additional insight to the boundaries of God’s moral purity and the frame of our own before Him. We discover the things He hates (Proverbs 6:16-19) and learn who can stand within His holy place (Psalm 24:3-5). We also learn how righteousness and justice are the habitation of His throne, while mercy, loving-kindness, and truth goes before His face (Psalm 89:14).
How can this be? Even as our iniquities have separated us from Him – like the Israelites (Isaiah 59:2), we experience His mercy, loving-kindness, and truth. We deserve the penalty of death brought through the disobedience of Adam, yet God’s love made a way for us to live in eternal fellowship once again (Romans 6:23).
As a loving parent, God established His moral standard, yet His love abounded. His standard of moral purity has not diminished. The penalty of sin hasn’t changed. The penalty remains for those that choose not place their belief and faith in His Son, Jesus. But it was God who loved us so much that He sent His only Son (John 3:16). It was God who looked upon His creation and provided a way for the penalty to be paid – through His Son.
Throughout the Biblical record, the greatest message is God’s love for the world. In spite of our continued wickedness and sin, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). In the midst of our ‘best’ actions which seem as filthy rags before God (Isaiah 64:6), God’s love abounded.
To those that say there is tension, I would respectfully disagree. There is only tension for those that choose not to believe and accept God’s ability to provide appropriation for our sinful acts. Jesus is the bridge from His moral purity and the extension of His love toward mankind. God’s moral purity and love are capsulated in Jesus Christ. God sent His only Son to be born and die for people that deserved to die. That is a pure and awesome love…how can we fathom its depth and breath?
John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
God loved THE WORLD so much that He gave His ONLY begotten Son! The world Jesus refers to encompasses all people, regardless of their status, race, beliefs, or conduct. Some people believe the world refers only to certain types of people…people that look, act, and believe as they do. to think God will only save certain types of people. Everyone else is not worthy of God’s love or forgiveness and deserve an eternity in hell.
As we follow the example of our Lord and Savior, we can glean some insights of discipleship through His interaction with people. There is so much we can learn from our Lord, but I would like to point out few ‘points’ within the context of our discussion.
Jesus allowed people to approach Him with the questions and concerns on their heart. Let’s look at a few examples:
(1) Nicodemus – John 3:1-11
(2) James and John – Mark 10:35-45
(3) The Rich Young Ruler – Mark 10:17-22
(4) The Disciples – Mark 10:23-30
Now, when you read these verses, there are some underlying themes. Jesus was (1) available, accessible, and approachable; (2) allowed others to ask just about any question and make any comment; and (3) responded to each question and concern and raising their level of understanding toward righteousness.
Sexual immorality is destroying the church!
It manifests through pornography, adultery, homosexuality, bisexuality, bestiality, etc. Many of our fellow brothers and sisters are turning to the darkness of sin to commit their evil deeds rather than living in the light of the Lord:
John 3:19-21 – And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
If you are struggling with sexual sin, get help NOW! Go to the Father, repent of your sins, and dedicate yourself to living above the muck and mire of your old sinful nature. Find strength in the Lord and your fellow brothers and sisters. You don’t have to give into temptation. You don’t have to sin.
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