Note for 20241205 - The Gospel of Jesus Christ - Part 06 - John 3 - Believe on Him
The Gospel of Jesus Christ
According to John
Read Through The Bible
“As it Happened” Bible Reading Plan
Day 019
Genesis 22 to 24
Part 06 - John 3 - Believe on Him
The Audio Version of today’s note
John 3:22-36 KJV
[22] After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judæa; and there he tarried with them, and baptized. [23] And John also was baptizing in Ænon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. [24] For John was not yet cast into prison. [25] Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying. [26] And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. [27] John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. [28] Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. [29] He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. [30] He must increase, but I must decrease. [31] He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. [32] And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. [33] He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. [34] For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. [35] The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. [36] He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.3.22-36.KJV
Note for 20241205
There is a message that most are reluctant to hear. We are eager to hear about those who trust in GOD and believe on His Son, but it is almost as if we are "unwilling" to hear what is there for those that do not believe. This chapter concludes with just that, that the Wrath of GOD abideth on him who does not believe the Son. Yes, it is also in this chapter that the promise of everlasting life is given for those that believe, but so many only read verse 16.
Here in the text today we see the "jealousy" of the disciples of John the Baptist. They basically came to him saying that this other one which he confirmed is now taking all John the Baptist's followers. And John tells them that he told them he is not the Christ. He goes further when he makes the statement that Christ must become more, and he, less, and that leaves us with a major lesson for our faith. Christ must become more, and we less. Paul speaks on this and says that no man should think higher of himself than he ought to. The believer remembers that every knee shall bow before Christ and every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord. In us too then, Christ must increase, and the old man in us must be brought low.
Interestingly: A brother in the faith brought my attention to 1 Corinthians 10 while I was busy with quiet time, and I was nudged in the Spirit to investigate the matter immediately. The same type of thing as what we read of here with the disciples of John the Baptist was playing out in Corinth. There were those that came in behind Paul and sowed a "counter Gospel" among the brothers in Corinth. You can go read more there about it. But, this too plays out today. Man today stands by denomination of the faith, with sharp focus on matters that are less than Christ Jesus. The same "jealousy" played out, and these denominations have come into some confused practice of trying to win one another's followers. Especially in our modern age, with electronics and social media and all those followers; where the practice of this world has been employed by so many to gain more followers in some form of marketing. The practice has changed in such a way as to entertain and gain more to come in, so the church may expand and grow. Undoubtedly, the believer acts in the interest of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, hoping that if more hear, more will come to faith. Sadly, the "not so holy tools" have been employed in the meanwhile, becoming soothsayers and preaching words that will attract more. So has there come in a tolerance for wicked things that should not be tolerated, and practices confirmed in the church, that the Word of GOD bans.
The question then is not what you believe is true alone, but; that what you believe is the Word of GOD. How much has been leveraged? How much compromise has been made? Does the church still hold on to sound doctrine? All this chaos for what? That one can say he is right and another is wrong?
It is here where the words of John the Baptist should shame us all. That it is not about our own increase, but that Christ increases in all. This was a major problem for Paul, when there were those coming in to confuse the church with other teachings. And that same thing is still at work today and is harmful to the ministry. The sad thing is that those that are involved in this can often not see the spirit that they are standing in; one that brings division and hates the unity there is in the Holy Spirit of GOD. It is a prideful spirit that is, in word and deed, anti-Christ. It will promote the doctrines of man. It will promote anything except the Truth and Jesus Christ is the Truth, The Way and The Life.
More of Jesus, less of me. I will rest with what Jesus said on the matter. I will trust the Word of GOD before I trust my own thinking. Because GOD is righteous, and I am a sinner saved by grace.
Shalom.
Verse of The Day
From the YouVersion Bible App
John 11:25-26 KJV
[25] Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: [26] and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.11.25-26.KJV
Comments
Post a Comment
All comments are moderated for the sake of younger and sensitive readers. For debates, please request Discord Server details.