What does John mean when he says that those who become children of God are born of God? John tells us that those who receive Jesus by believing in His name, are given the authority to become children of God. He doesn't say they get some stamp of approval. They receive a new nature that gives them the spiritual DNA of God and makes them part of His family.

#john1 #bornofgod #childrenofgod

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In John 1:6-8, the apostle John makes a dramatic shift from Jesus, the eternal Logos, to John the Baptist. What is the meaning of John 1:6-8? What did John the Baptist come to do and why did he come to do it? What meaning or purpose does it have for our lives today?

#john1 #johnthebaptist

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In John 1:4, John says that in Jesus is zoe life and that His zoe life is the light of all mankind. What is the meaning of zoe life? What does it mean that Jesus is life and light? What impact does that have on us today?

John 1:4-5... 4 In him was life (zoe), and that life (zoe) was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

#zoe #zoelife #jesus #john1

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In the gospel of John, Jesus is described as the Word (Logos). What is the meaning of the Word was God? John declares that in the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. Jesus may have been born in a manger, but He did not come into being in that moment. John makes a clear statement of Jesus' deity. He is the eternal Son of God who was born into this world to redeem humanity.

John 1:1-3... In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

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Fear, worry, and anxiety do not come from God but from the enemy. In Christ, you have a spirit of power, love, and sound judgment. In Christ, you can walk in faith over fear!

2 Timothy 1:7... for God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

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#faithoverfear
#2timothy
#election
#fear
#worry
#anxiety

As Christians, we don’t discipline ourselves to serve out of obligation or duty. We allow Jesus to lead us into a rhythm of walking in the good works that He will do in us and through us, and we get to experience our intimate relationship with Him as He expresses His Life through us.

Ephesians 2:10... For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Richard Foster says “True service comes from a relationship with the divine Other deep inside. We serve out of whispered promptings, divine urgings. Energy is expended but it is not the frantic energy of the flesh.”

Steve McVey writes, "The enemy has fooled many into thinking spiritual service is their gift to God. But good works are not our gifts to God but rather his gifts to us! Our heavenly Father has a plan to do some wonderful things in this world and, because of his great love for us, he has chosen to allow us to participate in that work. He doesn't need us to do the work. He chooses to do the work through us because he loves us. Those who believe that Christian service is the way we are obligated to glorify God will never clearly see his lovely face smiling at them with pride. They will forever be caught in a performance trap, wondering if they are doing enough."

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You were created to be in relationship with other people. Even though God created Adam perfectly and was in relationship with him, God described Him as "alone" and said it was "not good." God is a relational Being and you are made in His image. As you journey with Jesus, He will lead you into a rhythm of being involved in authentic community with other believers in Christ.

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Jesus spent time in silence and solitude. God spoke to Elijah through a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:12). The Lord said, "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)

Jesus will pull us away from the distractions and busyness in this world so that we can clearly hear His voice. Then He will send us back into the world more aware of His presence in our lives at all times and in all places.

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