Key To Ministry

In John 21 we find the key to ministry. Jesus asked Peter, "Do you love Me?", three times. Now, without elaborating on the different Greek words here and just taking it at face value, notice what Jesus DID NOT ask Peter. Jesus did not ask him, "Peter, do you love ministry?" But rather, "Do you love Me?" That's it! That is the key to ministry--loving Jesus. For you see, if you just love ministry, you will burn out. But if you have a burning love for Jesus, you'll have an effective ministry till Jesus calls you home. I will let the words of Oswald Chambers complete our thought for today:
"Today we have substituted a doctrinal belief for personal belief, and that is why so many people are devoted to causes and so few are devoted to Jesus Christ....If I am devoted solely to the cause of humanity, I will soon be exhausted and come to the point where my love will waver and stumble. But if I love Jesus Christ personally and passionately, I can serve humanity, even though people may treat me like a 'doormat.' The secret of a disciple's life is devotion to Jesus Christ, and the characteristic of that life is its seeming insignificance and its meekness. Yet it is like a grain of wheat that 'falls into the ground and dies'--it will spring up and change the entire landscape (John12:24). --Oswald Chambers, "My Utmost For His Highest", June 19 devotional.

It's Under The Blood

Couple of details of resurrection morning that John details for us in ch.20. First, look at v.11-12. When Mary Magdalene looks inside the tomb, what does she see? She saw two angels looking over where the body of Jesus had lain. Think with me back to the Old Testament tabernacle. Moses was instructed to make the Ark with two cherubim (angels) facing each other overlooking the mercy seat, where the blood would be sprinkled on the Day of Atonement. (Ex.25:16-22). Here, we have two angels facing each other over looking the blood stained place where Jesus had lain. A picture of what was about to take place in heaven.
Now look at John 20:17. Jesus said, "[Mary] do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, 'I am ascending to My Father and your Father and to My God and your God.'" When? Right now. Wait a minute. Jesus didn't ascend back to heaven until 40 days later (see Acts 1:3 and 1:9-11). What's going on here? May I suggest to you that at that very moment Jesus was 'ascending to [His] Father' right then (present tense in the Greek), in order to sprinkle the mercy seat in Heaven, with His own blood, in that tabernacle not made with hands (go read Heb.9:11-15). Thank God for the blood! Thank God for that fountain we talked about yesterday. Now when Satan brings accusation against us, Jesus just points to the Mercy Seat in heaven and says, "It's under the blood." Praise God!

There Is A Fountain

Today we finish reading John 19. Pay close attention to vss. 32-37. After Jesus died on the cross, the soldiers came to break the legs of all three, but when they saw that Jesus was already dead, they did not break His legs. This was a fulfillment of prophecy for Scripture had said, "A bone of Him shall not be broken." (see Ps.34:20). Then '...one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.' (v.34). This also fulfilled Scripture because 'they looked upon Him whom they pierced.' (v.37 and see Ps.22:16; Zech.12:10). Blood flowed from His side and not a bone was broken. Why is this so important, beside the fact that it fulfilled Scripture? Where is blood continually produced in the body? It's produced in the bone. That's why bone marrow transplants are so important in this day of cancer treatment. Blood is continually produced in the bone. Thus, God mandated that not a bone of His body would be broken, ensuring a perpetual and inexhaustible supply of blood. That's why Paul would later declare "Where sin abounds, grace abounds yet more." (Rom.5:20). You see, the blood of Christ is sufficient to cleanse you from every sin you have ever committed or will commit because not a bone of His body was broken. Praise God! Sing with me...

"What can wash away my sin?/Nothing but the blood of Jesus./
What can make me whole again?/ Nothing but the blood of Jesus./
O precious is the flow; /that makes me white as snow./
No other fount I know;/ Nothing but the blood of Jesus."

"There is a fountain filled with blood, drawn from Immanuel's veins;/
And sinners, plunged beneath that flood, Lose all their guilty stains;/
Lose all their guilty stains, Lose all their guilty stains;/
And sinners, plunged beneath that flood, Lose all their guilty stains."/
(verse 2)
"The dying thief rejoiced to see that fountain in his day;/
And there may I, though vile as he, wash all my sins away;/
Wash all my sins away, wash all my sins away;/
And there may I, though vile as he, wash all my sins away."/
(verse 3)
"Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood, Shall never lose its power;/
Till all the ransomed church of God be saved, to sin no more;/
Be saved, to sin no more, Be saved to sin no more;/
Till all the ransomed church of God be saved, to sin no more."/
(verse 4)
"E'er since by faith I saw the stream Thy flowing wounds supply;/
Redeeming love has been my theme, and shall be till I die;/
And shall be till I die, And shall be till I die;/
Redeeming love has been my theme, and shall be till I die."

Crucify Him or Crown Him?

Today we come to the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus, mainly His trial before Pilate in John 19. Pilate told the people that he could find no fault in Jesus (v.4). But the crowd yelled, "Crucify Him, crucify Him!" Throughout life we all face this timeless challenge and respond one way or the other. We either cry "Crucify Him" or "Crown Him" as my Lord, Savior and King. There is no middle ground, as Pilate soon found out. The nation Israel, as a whole, soon found this out as well. Jerusalem was destroyed by Rome in AD 70 and became a nation no more. What did they say? "Away with Him, away with Him! Crucify Him!...We have no king but Caesar!" --v.15. Well, Caesar it would be. When Israel asked to have a king, and God allowed them to have Saul, the nation rejected God the Father (1 Sam.8). When they asked for Barabbas, they rejected God the Son. Finally, in Acts 7, they resisted the Holy Spirit and stoned Stephen to death. Rejecting the Father in the Old Testament, rejecting the Son in the Gospels, and resisting the Spirit in the Book of Acts caused the collapse of the people of Israel. But God is faithful. The promise of Romans 9-11 is that even though Israel has rejected the Father, rejected the Son, and resisted the Holy Spirit--God will restore His people, and all of Israel will be saved. They will see their King, believe and be saved (Zech.12:10-11: Matt.24:30; Rev.1:7).
Both the nation and Pilate were on trial that day, and both failed miserably. What about you? Will you crucify Him or CROWN HIM as Lord, Savior and King of your life? May we not fail!

Sword Safety 101

Today's N.T. reading is John 18. When Judas led the mob out to arrest Jesus, Simon Peter drew his sword and cut off the ear of the high priest's servant. We always think about Peter's denial of Christ, but at first he was willing to fight and die for Jesus. The only problem was the fact that his zeal was misdirected. Why didn't Peter understand what was happening? Remember (from the other Gospel's accounts), Peter and the rest of the disciples had been sleeping while Jesus was praying. So Peter wakes up, rubbing his eyes, sees a confrontation brewing, whips out his sword, and swings it wildly at the first 'bad guy' he sees.
Too often, we hurt people as we whip out the sword (the Word of God) and swing it wildly at those we deem as the 'bad guys'. And like Peter, we cause pain and hurt whenever our zeal is misdirected. How can we know when to rightly use the Word/Sword? How would Peter had known? He would have known the Lord's will had he stayed awake in prayer. Swinging the Word of God at people before spending time in prayer can do more harm than good. You end up cutting off their ear, and remember, "faith comes by HEARING, and hearing by the Word of God." Rom.10:17. In other words, if you take the Word of God and beat somebody up with it, they won't listen to you anymore. They've turned you off. It's better that we spend time in prayer, seeking God's will on how to use the Word of God in speaking to our lost friends or wayward Christians. Sometimes we need to put up the sword and take the cup (see v.11). What's in your hand? A sword causing pain or the cup of suffering that brings about humility and unity in the Body of Christ? Meditate on this today.

Praying for the Church

Some have called John 17 the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus. Here Jesus prays for us. He intercedes for you and me. Much could be said about every verse. There are many high points in this prayer. For example 17:3 gives us the definition of eternal life. "This is eternal life..." What? "...that they (me and you) may know You, the only true God and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." Eternal life is not just heaven, though that is the location where we'll dwell forever in Christ. But eternal life is being in a RELATIONSHIP with God and His only Son Jesus Christ. And we could say so much more here.
Jesus continues to pray for us. He prays that we would be set apart from the world but to remain in the world. The church is supposed to be insulated from the world but not isolated from the world. As it has been said, "It's OK for the boat to be in the water, but it's not OK for the water to be in the boat." We must be in the world to win the world, but we must never become like the world, thinking that we will win them. Some churches take this to another extreme and end up dry docking the boat. They never engage the world with the Gospel for fear of contamination. Again, we're to be insulated, but not isolated. That's true for every Christian.
Another point that Jesus touches on is unity. In v.21 He prays for believers to be one, just as Jesus and the Father are one. Why? Read the rest of the verse: "...[so] that the world may believe that You sent Me." We are to be united for the cause of evangelism. In fact, unity is one of two of our greatest evangelistic tools. (Love is the other one-see John 13:34-35). Again, the church has been guilty of much neglect and abuse here. Some neglect unity and are divided. Others take it to the extreme in the opposite direction and make unity to mean uniformity. Uniformity says we must march to the same beat, sing the same songs, wear the same uniforms on Sunday, pray the same prayers, read the same translation etc. No! That's not unity. That's uniformity. Unity includes diversity. Why do you think the Holy Spirit gifts the church with diverse gifts? Each one is unique and each church is unique in its own way. Your church will reach people my church will never reach. And my church will reach people your church will never reach. But if we're all united around the Gospel of Jesus Christ....that's what Jesus was praying for. Reread this great chapter, and let Holy Spirit speak to your heart.

Evangelism 101

Have you ever tried to witness to your friend about Christ, and in doing so, they respond, "well I'm really not such a bad person"? Yes, it is very difficult to convince a good, morally upstanding person of their need for Christ and his salvation. But today's reading in John 16 will help. The next time you share Christ with someone and point out that we are all sinners (Rom.3:23), and they respond by saying, "I'm not that bad...I don't smoke or drink or kill or steal...etc.", point them to John 16:7-11. Jesus told the disciples, and us, that it was to our advantage that He return back to Heaven. Why? So that the Holy Spirit would come. And when He comes, He will convict. That word can also be translated 'convince'. You see, it's not up to you and me to convince someone of their need of salvation. It's up to the Holy Spirit.
So, here's what you do. Point out John 16:8-9 to your friend. Point out to your friend that the Holy Spirit will convict them of their sin, and notice it is 'sin' singular, not plural. And what is this singular sin? V.9 tells you: That they do not BELIEVE in Jesus Christ. The one sin that keeps a man out of heaven is unbelief. The Holy Spirit doesn't convict people of smoking, drinking, swearing, partying etc. The first and foremost sin that the Holy Spirit convicts of is unbelief in Jesus who died for our sins. 'Sins' plural are symptoms of 'sin' singular = unbelief. And of course unbelief in Jesus proves their unbelief that they are sinners by nature.
And of course you can follow up with John 3:16-18. We often quote John 3:16, but we don't go far enough. John 3:18 says, "He who believes in Him (Jesus) is not condemned, but he who DOES NOT BELIEVE is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." Our job is to share this great and profound truth. And it's the Holy Spirit's job to convince them of it. May God use you as His mouth piece today.

Believer's Benefits

The Upper Room Discourse (John 13-17) is one of my most favorite passages in all the Bible. For this weekend's devotional we'll just look at John 14. As brief as I can be on this profound passage, notice the benefits we have.
1. We Have The Remedy For Trouble "Let not your heart be troubled...." 14:1
At this time the disciples were much troubled. From the jockeying for position to Jesus washing their feet, to being told by their Master that He was going to die, their emotions were on a roller coaster. Then Jesus gave them and us the remedy for trouble: "...you believe in God, believe also in Me." The remedy for trouble is trust. Trust in Jesus. And even when you can't see His hand, trust His heart, for He truly cares for you.
2. We Have The Hope of Heaven 14:2-6
Jesus said I go to prepare a place for you--personally--you and me. He then adds the qualification: "I am the way, the truth, the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." Heaven is a a real place, but it is a restricted place. Only those who place their faith in Jesus Christ will ever go there. Have you made your reservations? Do so today by trusting in Jesus and His atoning work on the cross for you.
3. We Have The Privilege of Prayer 14:12-14
In addition to having the remedy for trouble and the hope of heaven, we have this awesome privilege of prayer. We can speak with the Creator of the universe and ask Him anything. Dear Christian, don't neglect this great privilege. Talk to your Heavenly Father today. Ask Jesus for the things you have need of. James says, "We have not because we ask not." James 4:2.
4. We Have The Comfort of the Holy Spirit 14:15-25
We also have been given the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, "I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you." How? Through the Holy Spirit, the Helper, the Comforter, the One who empowers us to be witnesses for Him (Acts 1:8). Go back to v.12. Pay attention to that verse. Jesus told the disciples that they would do greater works than He did. How's that possible? Through the Holy Spirit. Think about it this way. While Jesus was physically on earth, in 3 1/2 years of ministry, He had roughly a little over 500 followers (see 1 Cor.15:6). On the day of Pentecost, Acts 2, Peter gets up and preaches one sermon and over 3000 get saved. Greater Works! How? Through the Holy Spirit, the same Holy Spirit that indwells every believer.
5. We Have The Peace of Jesus Christ 14:27-28
Finally we have been given the peace of Jesus Christ. Even though I might not understand what's going on, I have a peace that bypasses my brain and permeates my heart. We may not understand all the reasons why certain things and tragedies and troubles occur, but we have the peace of Christ that bypasses our intellect and permeates our heart. Paul said, "...the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phil.4:7. We don't need the answer to 'why?'. The greater need is God's peace. What blessings and benefits Jesus left us! "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits." Ps.103:2.

Humility

Today's NT reading is chapter 13 of John. John 13-17 is our Lord's 'farewell message' to His beloved disciples, concluding with His intercessory prayer for them and for us. At this moment, Luke's Gospel tells us that His disciples were bickering and arguing among themselves concerning who's the greatest. Jesus knew that there was a competitive spirit in their hearts so He gave them an unforgettable lesson in humility. It would be an object lesson they would never forget. Jesus took a towel and girded himself, 13:4 says. Think about that. The Father had put all things into the Son's hands, yet Jesus picked up a towel and a basin and began washing their feet. This was the job of the house slave. Words can't describe. Jesus was the Sovereign, yet He took the place of a servant. He had all things in His hands, yet He picked up a towel. He was Lord and Master, yet He served His followers. It has been well said that humility is not thinking meanly of yourself; it is simply not thinking of yourself at all! True humility grows out of our relationship with the Father.

"Today we, just like the disciples that night, desperately need this lesson on humility. The church is filled with a worldly spirit of competition and criticism as believers vie with one another to see who is the greatest." [Wiersbe, p.345] We are growing in knowledge, but not in grace (see 2 Peter 3:18). Andrew Murray said, "Humility is the only soil in which the graces root." And he went on to say, "The lack of humility is the sufficient explanation of every defect and failure." Are we greater than our Lord? No. Then let us "do nothing through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each [of us] esteem others better than himself. Let's....look out not only for [our own] interests, but also for the interests of others." Phil.2:3-4.

Hearing God

"Then a voice came from heaven, saying, 'I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.'" This was God's answer to Jesus prayer in John 12:28--our reading for today. This is also the third time in the Gospels that the voice of the Father thunders from heaven. The first time was at Jesus' baptism (Matt.3:17). The second time was on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matt.17:5). And the third time is here at the end of Jesus' public ministry. Then notice what the people said in v.29: "the people...heard it said that it thundered. Others said, 'an angel has spoken to Him.'" They were saying, "That's not really God, that's just thunder. That's not God speaking, that's some angel.'" They didn't understand. Neither will they understand when you say "God spoke to me this morning in my quiet time. He spoke to me this morning in His Word." But just because the crowd mistakes God for thunder, that doesn't negate the truth of what He speaks to your heart. Remember John 10? Jesus' sheep hear His voice and follow Him. Keep listening to God's Word daily and keep following Him. All the world hears is thunder-noise. You and I hear the still small voice of God. And when we do, let's obey Him. "Thank You God, for speaking to my heart daily through Your Word and through prayer. Help me to be still and hear Your voice each and every day. Jesus, in your precious and powerful Name I pray, Amen."

Changed Life Evangelism

Our N.T. reading today comes from John 12:1-19. Jesus goes to Bethany to Lazarus, Mary and Martha's house. Note the activity of Jesus' three friends. Martha is serving, Mary is worshiping, and Lazarus is witnessing. Let's zero in on Lazarus for just a moment. Folks were coming from miles around to see Lazarus (see v.9). Why? Because Jesus had raised him from the dead (ch.11). Though Lazarus never speaks a word, he is a powerful witness. Witnessing is not only what you say, but more so, it's who you are. Jesus didn't commission us to go into all the world and witness. He said, "You shall be My witnesses (Acts 1:8). In other words, like Lazarus, you once were spiritually dead. Then you met Jesus. You were born again. You were once dead, but now made alive in Christ. Now there has been a radical change in your life. Your new life in Christ speaks louder than words. Verse 12 goes on to say, "because on account of him [Lazarus] many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus." Many will believe in Jesus on account of your changed life. Is your life changed? Are you saved? Yes. Then does your walk match your talk? Remember, your life speaks so loud, the world can't hear what you're saying. So make sure your life is speaking for Jesus. Then, with your lips, boldly proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Wait and Watch

Today: John 11. Lazarus, Mary and Martha were close friends with Jesus. Lazarus dies while Jesus is away. Notice what Martha said to Jesus: "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died." (John 11:21). What she said was true. No one ever died in the presence of Jesus. Jesus never conducted a funeral during His ministry. He performed a few resurrections (like we see in this chapter), but He never officiated a funeral. Why? In His words: "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though He may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" (v.25-26). But why the delay? Why did He delay in coming to them? Notice what He said: "And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe." (v.15). That's it. Had Jesus been there, Lazarus would not have died. Jesus would have done something that they had seen Him do over and over again: HEAL. But now they are about to see Him do something greater: RAISE LAZARUS FROM THE DEAD. How many times I have prayed, "Lord I'm in a situation like before....will you please get me out like you did before? Will you do it again?" And sometimes His answer is delayed. Why? Because He's about to reveal more of Himself to me than He did before. He's about to give me new grounds for believing Him more. If Jesus had not delayed His coming, Mary and Martha would have never known Him as the Resurrection and Life. Remember that. Each time God delays, watch very carefully. Because God is about to reveal something of Himself that you know not of Him. And it will deepen your faith and relationship with Him. What did Moses tell the Israelites as they stood at the Red Sea? "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today." (Ex.14:13). That's our word for today. Just stand still and watch what God will do next. Bless His Holy Name!

Safe and Secure

Today's N.T. reading comes from John 10:22-42. Let's key in on two verses: vv.28-29. Throughout church history, the debate has raged about the eternal security of the believer. The question is "can a believer lose his or her salvation?". Jesus gives us the answer in these two verses. "I give them eternal life and they shall never perish." Never means never! Jesus continues, "...neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand....and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand." "Anyone" and "no one" includes yourself! You cannot remove yourself from God the Father or God the Son's hand. In other words, if you are genuinely saved, there's nothing you can do to remove yourself from the eternally secure hands of God. There's nothing you can do to lose your salvation. "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus...!" (Rom.8:1) Praise God! Oh what a Savior! Do you know Him today?

Father's Day

Read this heart touching Father's Day story by Steve May.

A FATHER'S DAY STORY
ISAIAH 46:3-4

Perhaps one of the best Father's Day illustrations is the story of Derek Redmond, a runner in the 1992 Olympics.

Derek was competing for the medal in the 400 meter race. Less than half-way through, he ripped a hamstring muscle and fell to the ground in agony. While the rest of the runners moved past him, Derek managed to get to his feet and began struggling to move forward.

Then something caught the attention of the television cameras. An older man wearing blue shorts and a Nike Just Do It cap pushed past a security guard onto the race track. It was Derek's father, Jim.

At first Derek shrugged him away, saying, "I'm going to finish the race." Jim said to his son, "We've started everything together. We'll finish this together."

He put his arm around his son and held him as they crossed the finish line together. The crowd erupted into thunderous applause; it has become a classic moment in sports.

In fact, Oliver Irish, columnist for the UK based "Observer" called it one of the top 10 "teary moments" in sports. He said, "Not many moments ... remain so poignant that they can reduce grown men to tears, but this is a bona fide weepy."

This story challenges me, as it challenges all fathers, to do whatever I can to help my children finish the race. Even if—especially if—they stumble along the way.

In the book of Isaiah, God said...

Listen to me...you whom I have upheld since you were conceived, and have carried since your birth. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you. (Isaiah 46:3-4)

Fathers, by God's grace may we live with such strength and integrity that we can say these words to our sons and daughters.

--Steve May

Hear His Voice

In John 10:4 Jesus said, "...the sheep follow him, for they know his voice." How true that is. This fact becomes evident in John 20:15-16. There our resurrected Lord appeared to Mary Magdalene, and she didn't recognize Him. She thought He was the gardener. She said, "'Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.'" [And] Jesus said to her, 'Mary!' She turned and said, 'Rabboni' (which is to say, Teacher)." When did Mary recognize Jesus? It was when she heard His voice. It was when He spoke-His word. When do we recognize Jesus? When we hear His Word. Remember yesterday's devotion? If you abide in His Word, you are his disciple indeed. Stay in the Word. Read it and live it out every day. Jesus wants to speak to you today. Won't you listen by opening up your Bible and reading His Word?

'words' against THE WORD!

Today's reading completes John 8. After you read this in your Bible, I want you to do something. I want you to find a copy of "The Message" by Eugene Peterson and read this same passage. Yes, I know "The Message" is not a literal translation of the Bible; it's a paraphrase. But when you read this same passage from "The Message", it will capture the tension, the war of words that's happening in John 8. It will vividly paint the scene for you. You can just feel the tension and agitation of the moment. What is happening is the Pharisees are using 'words' to argue with THE WORD. It's 'words' against THE WORD! And do you know what? THE WORD wins every time.
In the final scene on earth, Christ returns and puts down all His enemies (see Rev.19). There we learn that "His name is called 'The Word of God'....(v.13) and that "out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations...(v.15) and "the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse...(v.21). The Word wins every time and ultimately wins the final battle. In Rev.3:14, Jesus is called "the Amen". What is 'amen'. It means 'so be it.' It's the last word at the end of our prayers. It's the final word. My friend, Jesus IS the final Word! He has the last Word! Man does not have the last word. The Word-Jesus Christ- has the final say!
So, let me ask you: Do you ever argue with God? Do you try to rationalize sin in your life? Do you have a little 'war of words' (if you will) against The Word? Don't even try it. It's a lost cause. Jesus wins every time. What we need to do is submit to the Word, immerse ourselves in the Word and be obedient to the Word. In fact, in our chapter today, Jesus said, "If you abide in My word, you are my disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:31-32

No Condemnation

Today's reading comes from John 8:1-11. In the Gospels, Jesus always encountered two crowds:
1) The Religious Crowd and 2) The Rejected Crowd. The Religious Crowd had convinced themselves that they were saved and accepted by God. The Rejected Crowd were those who were convinced of their lostness and unworthiness. Well, true to the case, that is what we see here: a self-righteous religious crowd and a rejected woman. Reread the story, and then I want you to notice three things:

1. Notice the way sinners treat sinners: Brutally
Pharisees could tell you everything that was wrong with everybody else and everything right
about themselves. That's the way it is with Pharisees, wherever you meet them, whether in the 1st century or the 21st century. Rock throwing, sin sniffing, fault finding always takes place in the lives of people who do not understand grace.

2. Notice the way the Law treats sinners: Condemningly
The Law says you must die. The Law is good, just and pure. It's perfect. But we can't live up to
it. Jesus keeps the Law perfectly; therefore when you place your faith in Him, He imputes His righteousness to you. "For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved." -John 3:17.

3. Notice how the Savior treats sinners: Mercifully
"Woman where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee? She said, 'No man Lord.' And Jesus said unto her, 'Neither do I condemn thee; go and sin no more.'"

What did Paul say? "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Rom.8:1 Praise God!

I'm Back

On the last blog I indicated that I would be on a mission trip and would not return till June 18th. What was I thinking? I was due back June 10th and back at my computer June 11th. I missed that by one week. Anyway, we had a great time with the "Higher Call Builders" up in Cadwell, GA, at Cadwell Baptist Church. We helped them build the first phase of their new three phase project. The "Higher Call Builders" is the team that came and helped us build our new sanctuary and educational building. Was it hot? You bet it was, but worth every drop of sweat. Their pastor told me, "You don't know how much we appreciate this." I replied, "Oh but I do, for you see, five years ago we too were on the receiving end of this. And now by coming here, it gives us just a small way to give back". And you know what? Next year you'll see some Cadwell members with us going to our next project, to build a church somewhere else--wherever God calls.
Tomorrow we'll get back to posting our daily passages and devotionals. May God richly bless,
Bro. Royce

Mission Trip

For those of you reading this devotional each day, this is to let you know that I'll be on a mission trip until June 18, therefore I will not be able to blog and update this devotional until then. Keep reading the Word! God bless,
Bro. Royce

Central Theme

Today's reading completes John chapter five. I have spent a good portion of this morning on just one verse-verse 39, and particularly one word "search". There is much discussion among the commentaries and word studies as to whether this verse is in the imperative mood (a command: go search the Scriptures) or in the indicative mood (a statement of fact, that it did happen, they have searched the Scriptures.) But what I want you to see and understand today is the very meaning of that word 'search'. It comes from a Greek word that means "to track the scent" --like a bloodhound or a lion. That is exactly how you and I are to study Scripture. We are to 'sniff out' the blood. We are to look for Jesus. Spurgeon once said, 'cut the Bible anywhere and it will bleed red the blood of Jesus.' How true. In Genesis, He is the Seed of the Woman. He is the Lamb that took Isaac's place. In Exodus, He is the Passover Lamb. In Leviticus, He is the anointed High Priest. In Numbers, He is the Bronze Serpent; He is the Star of Jacob; He is the Scepter of Israel. In Deuteronomy, He is the Prophet like Moses. And that's just a few, from the first five books. There's so much more. When you read your Bible, always look for Jesus. He is on every page. "...then I said, 'Behold, I have come--In the volume of the book it is written of Me--To do Your will, O God.'" Hebrews 10:5-7. The Lord Jesus Christ is the central theme of all Scripture. He longs to be the central theme in your life! Is He?

Amazing Grace

Today's reading comes to us from John 5:1-17. Here we have the healing of the crippled man at the pool of Bethesda. He has been in this condition for 38 years. Lots of subtleties here. Let's point out a few. "...by the Sheep Gate": The very location speaks of Judaism and the Law, for it was through the sheep gate that sacrifices were brought into the city of Jerusalem. "...having five porches": Five reminds us of the Pentateuch-the first five books of the Law/Moses (Gen.-Deut.) In the Bible, five is also the number of grace, and this pool of Bethesda means "House of Mercy". "A great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed..." When people are spiritually blind, they are also lame and paralyzed in sin, and the Law can't save them. Jesus singles this one man out from among many, just as He singled Israel out from among many nations. The man had this "infirmity [for] thirty-eight years.": Israel wandered in the wilderness for thirty-eight years. The man explains his situation: "Every time I try to get up, someone else gets there first." Then Jesus says, "Rise, take up your bed and walk..." Note what Jesus did and did not do. Jesus did not help the man 'beat' everyone else to the water. He didn't help the man to be first into the pool. Jesus' purpose was to take him out of the competition altogether! The lame man was delivered not by "a man to help him", but by the Son of Man who saved him. "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."
"Amazing grace! how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now I'm found; was blind but now I see."

Doer of the Word

Today we complete John chapter four. How hard it must have been for Jesus to leave the revival in Samaria, where people were responding to the Gospel and getting saved. Why did He go to Galilee? Apparently Jesus was sensing increased opposition in His own country -v.44. One commentator suggests that He wanted to return to Cana (v.46 -where He turned the water into wine) to cultivate the 'seed' that He had planted there. Perhaps the best reason for His return to Galilee, overall, was the fact that Isaiah had predicted Messiah would go into the dark region called 'Galilee' (see Isaiah 9:1-2). Jesus returned to Galilee because He understood what the Word said about His ministry. The Scriptures to Jesus were not only predictive, but also directive. That is, when Jesus read the Scriptures, He found not only predictions about His ministry, but direction for His ministry. He knew that the prophecies written about Him must be fulfilled by Him. Thus Jesus was not only a hearer of the Word, He was the supreme example of the Doer of the Word. James told us to not only be hearers of the Word but also be Doers of the Word (James 1:22). The great need in the church today is NOT another Bible study. We don't need another "Evangelism Training Program". We don't need another seminar on 'How to Pray.' We simply need to pray and then go out and witness to our lost friends. I'll never forget what John Maxwell said one time. He said that at his church, they were going to begin a 'door to door' visitation/witnessing campaign on Wednesday night during the Wednesday night services. But they were going to make it optional. So he presented it to them: "Next Wednesday, you can either meet here at 7 pm and go out with us on visitation or you can sign up for a 26 week study in the book of Leviticus." Nearly everyone responded, "Uhh, uhh, sign me up for the Bible study." Now, neither John nor I dare take away any significance from the book of Leviticus, but this just goes to show how reluctant we are to be Doers of the Word. We don't mind hearing it, and filling our notebooks full of notes, but we sure don't want to obey it. God is looking for some 'Doers' in these last days. How about it Christian? Will you be obedient to the Word?

Global Gospel

Today we read John 4:1-42. This story of the Samaritan woman reinforces John's main theme that Jesus is the Messiah and the Son of God (see John 20:30-31 cp.w/v25-26 in this chapter ). This story also shows Jesus' love for all people. His love for mankind has no boundaries. Jews and Samaritans were at odds with each other and typically men didn't speak to women, and especially in this case: A Jewish man and a Samaritan woman. Yet Jesus teaches his disciples and us a vital lesson: The Gospel is for all people, not just a select few. If you go back and read the story again, you'll notice that Jesus had a harder time getting through to His disciples than He did with the Samaritan woman. It is possible that the disciples passed this woman on their way into town and on their way out. But they never spoke to her. Why? She was a social outcast, a Samaritan woman. But Jesus not only spoke to her. He saved her! When the disciples get back with the food, they cannot understand why Jesus isn't hungry anymore. Jesus tells them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work. Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you to open your eyes and look at the fields! They are already white for harvest!" What harvest was already white? I suggest to you that it was the whole town, dressed in white, coming over the hill being led by this now born again woman. [Interesting contrast: in chapter 3 a prestigious Jewish man gets born again and here a social outcast, a Samaritan woman gets born again--again showing that the Gospel is for ALL people.] So here's this woman leading the whole town to Jesus. That one woman did what 12 disciples wouldn't do--Witness for Jesus! What harvest is white? The field of Samaritans. The people in our culture who are ignored and forgotten, those that no one wants to be around; those that we pass by are the ones that are ripe for the harvest. I don't know about you, but there is plenty here to convict me. Let's make sure we understand: The Gospel is for ALL people. There are no boundaries. Who will you pass on your way to 'town' today? Who will you sit by in the doctors office today? Who will you stand in line beside? Ask God to open your eyes to see the harvest.

Must

Today we complete John chapter 3 (3:22-36). Now looking back over this favorite chapter of John's Gospel I want you to note three verses: vs.7, 14, 30. These three verses contain the three "musts". These three 'musts' are eternally essential. Note them:
1. The 'Must' of the Sinner 3:7
"Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'" The Colonial preacher, George Whitefield, was asked why he always preached that a man must be born again. "Don't you have another sermon? Why do you always preach that a man must be born again? Over and over!" He simply replied, "Because you MUST be born again." Jesus said, "Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." -v.3.
2. The 'Must' of the Savior 3:14
"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up." This refers back to Numbers 21. Bronze represents judgment. The serpent represents sin. You and I have been bitten by the snake of sin. So Jesus came and was judged in our place. He who knew no sin became sin for us. As Spurgeon once said, "This is 'like' curing 'like'." By man came death, and by Man-the Son of Man- came the resurrection from the dead. If you'll look upon Jesus and believe, you will be saved.
3. The 'Must' of the Servant 3:30
"He must increase, but I must decrease." These seven words capture the essence of true ministry. It's not about us. It's all about Him! When you got saved, that was the most important decision you ever made. But know this, it was the last decision you made. Now He is the Lord of your life. He calls the shots. You simply say, like Paul, "Lord, what do you want me to do?" (Acts 9:5). Selah! Meditate on this today.