"I
write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you
may know that you have eternal
life." I John 5:13
I
once read a story about a couple on
vacation. The couple was from a very
modest income and they decided that they would like to take their first
cruise- an ambitious goal for their
budget. But they scrimped, saved, and finally were able to go. But sadly, purchasing the tickets was all
that they could afford. Not to be
outdone, they packed bologna, bread and a few other staples, and took all their
meals in their own room. Finally, it came to the captain's attention that they
disappeared at all meal times. The
captain asked them to remain at his table for dinner- an honor they had to decline. They sheepishly explained that although they
would love to, they simply could not afford it.
Imagine their astonishment when the captain explained the situation to them: all meals were included in the ticket price!
For
days these "under-receivers" had scrimped, done without, but lived in
luxury, while eating like paupers.
How many buffets of fruit, cheese and bread had they lusted over? How often did they walk away in regret as New
York strip was served? How many pieces
of cheesecake and chocolate cake had they missed out on? And why?
Because they did not know what they had!
Unfortunately,
this is the case for many believers today.
They have asked Jesus to cleanse them of their sin. They have asked him to save them and live in
their heart, but they are never really sure if it "took." Every wrong thought, tendency to be angry,
every ill-spoken word convinces them of their condemnation. How could they be saved?! They live on balogna (baloney!).
According
to today's passage, these words were penned by John for the purpose of helping
"believers" believe that they are saved. It is about moving beyond doubting into confidence of the benefits that came
with the "ticket" that Christ purchased for us. Are you living beneath your privilege? Do you constantly struggle with feeling right
with God? That is not his will concerning you!
He wants you to receive his gift
of Salvation, grow in his word, and become fully persuaded of your current
status in him.
Some
people believe that such humility is
a good thing. But in truth, it is a type
of pride. If the Bible says that you are
saved, who are you to doubt the veracity of the Word of God?! When we were washed by the blood of the Lamb,
he takes away even our guilty conscience!
We are saved to the uttermost!
Begin to rejoice in that, and refuse your doubts and fears.
He came that you may have confidence of your right-standing with Christ.
Thank you, Jesus, for my
salvation! Thank you that your work was
complete and I need only believe in, and rely
on, what you have already done for me.
Thank you for paying my way! In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Sherri
"Everyone
who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves
the father loves his child as well. This
is how we know that we love the children
of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for
everyone born of God overcomes the world.
This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of
God. This is the one who came by water
and blood- Jesus Christ. He did not come
by water only, but by water and blood.
And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For
there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water and the blood: and the three are in agreement. We accept man's testimony, but God's
testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given
about his Son. Anyone who believes
in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. Anyone who does not believe God has made him
out to be a liar, because he has not believed the testimony God has given about
his Son.
And this is the testimony:
God has given us eternal life,
and this life is in his Son. He who has
the Son has life, he who does not have the Son of God does not have life." I John 5:1-12
There
has never been a more incredible testimony than this! God has given us eternal life in his Son,
Jesus Christ! And God's testimony has
become mine- and yours as well, if you have accepted Jesus as your personal
Savior.
Our
personal testimony is one of the most powerful tools that we can use for the
kingdom of God. Our testimony is unique,
it is our own journey to finding Christ.
Everyone enjoys a personal account more than a second-hand account. Often we discount our personal testimony as
not as interesting as others. Maybe
yours is not as dramatic as someone addicted to drugs and set free. Or perhaps you feel your testimony is too
jaded, and you are ashamed to let people know where Jesus brought you from.
Regardless
of your personal story, there are people who would benefit from hearing you
tell it. There are people that can
relate to you that may not be able to relate to anyone else. Our story of redemption is wonderfully
individualized, but purchased by the same precious blood of the Lamb!
Take
some time to remember your history with Christ.
Think about the details and organize them in a meaningful order. Then begin to ask the Lord to show you people
you can share your story with! Your
story may well be the one to lead another to have their own personal story of redemption.
Dear God, thank you for saving me and
giving me a testimony. Thank you for
blessing me to be raised in church, surrounded by family who loved you and told me about
you. Help my testimony to be an
inspiration to others. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Sherri
"Everyone
who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves
the father loves his child as well. This
is how we know that we love the children
of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for
everyone born of God overcomes the world.
This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of
God. This is the one who came by water
and blood- Jesus Christ. He did not come
by water only, but by water and blood.
And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For
there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water and the blood: and the three are in agreement. We accept man's testimony, but God's
testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given
about his Son. Anyone who believes in
the Son of God has this testimony in his heart.
Anyone who does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because
he has not believed the testimony God has given about his Son." I John 5:1-10
There
have been people in my life that have lied to me. There have been people I have lied to. There have been others still who I accused of
lying, only to find out that they were telling the truth.
How
do we know when someone is telling the truth?
The easiest way is that if we
know their character to be one of integrity.
If they have always conducted themselves in a trustworthy manner, then
we are more prone to believe what they are saying.
God
has never been anything but truthful, faithful and loving to me. He has met my needs, blessed me beyond
measure and lavished me with his love.
How could I believe that he would ever do anything that was not
forthright and honest? Because I so
believe in his holiness, I cannot do anything else but take him at his Word in
all matters. Even when there are things
in the Bible that I may not fully comprehend intellectually, I can take the
truth of it by faith. By faith in the
person of God.
Anyone
who does not believe Jesus is all that God says he is, makes God out to be a
liar. That is a serious offense. One I hope none of us are guilty of doing. As believers, our greatest job is believing. Believing all that we are taught in the Bible
and impressed by his Spirit.
Dear God, forgive me for the times I
have failed to believe and made you out to be a liar. Help me to increase in faith and walk in
belief. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Sherri
"Everyone
who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves
the father loves his child as well. This
is how we know that we love the children
of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for
everyone born of God overcomes the world.
This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of
God. This is the one who came by water
and blood- Jesus Christ. He did not come
by water only, but by water and blood.
And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For
there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water and the blood: and the three are in agreement. We accept man's testimony, but God's testimony
is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his
Son." I John 5:1-9
I'll
admit it. This is one of the passages
of Scripture that makes me say, "Huh?" I know there is much written about the
significance of the Spirit, the water and the blood. One commentary states that the water refers
to his water baptism, and the blood refers to his crucifixion. Both of those are powerful truths and I daily
rely upon the power of his blood! But
for the purpose of today's discussion, we will not dig any deeper. Though I see
it as a point of future study for me.
And, if it interests you, grab your concordance and commentary and get
started!
When
discussing the testimony of God, there are several important things we can glean from Scripture. When talking about the baptism of Christ,
recall the confirming signs that accompanied this beautiful event. When Jesus was being baptized by John, the
voice from heaven (God) spoke and said "You are my Son, who I love: with you I am well pleased!" (Luke 3:22)
And the dove (a bodily symbol of
the Holy Spirit) came and lighted upon him.
Here is one awesome testimony to the deity of Christ! And also a powerful confirmation of the "trinity" of the Godhead. The person of Christ is in the water, the
person of the Father is speaking affirmingly from heaven, and the person of the
Holy Spirit makes a visible manifestation.
When something like this occurs in Scripture, we cannot afford to
overlook the significance of such an event.
A
second example of this occurs at what we commonly refer to as the "transfiguration". This is when Peter, James and john observed
Jesus talking with Moses and Elijah, with the glory resting upon them. And then a cloud appeared and enveloped them,
and voice came from the cloud saying, "This is my Son, whom I have chosen;
listen to him." (Luke 99:26-36) Although this time the Holy Spirit is not
mentioned, it is the same message from Almighty God. Jesus is his Son! He is the chosen one! Listen to him. Earlier he had said I am well pleased with him! What a powerful testimony!
The
Jews knew that they were awaiting the Messiah.
Many of them did not recognize Christ as the one for whom they were
waiting. But in his love and
righteousness, the Father himself gave the testimony: "This is him! The One I sent!" (paraphrase mine.)
The
Bible is a such a truthful, intricately woven story of God's love affair with man. He shows how he made man, how he intervened
on behalf of man and how he made the ultimate sacrifice to save man. It is all summed up in John 3:16, "For
God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever
believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." He gave his Son. He gave the testimony. Will you believe it today? Will you tell the truth to others?
Dear Lord, thank you for watching over
your will and Word to perform it. Thank
you for sending Jesus and confirming to us His importance. Help me to be a faithful witness to this
truth as well. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Sherri
"Everyone
who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves
the father loves his child as well. This
is how we know that we love the children
of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for
everyone born of God overcomes the world.
This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is
it that overcomes the world? Only he who
believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
This is the one who came by water
and blood- Jesus Christ. He did not come
by water only, but by water and blood.
And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth." I John 5:1-4
I am so
grateful for the Holy Spirit! Through his ministry we can know what is true and
what is false. He convicts us of sin; he
convinces us of the truth that we need to know about Jesus. He testifies to truth, causing us to
"bear witness" within ourselves about what is right and wrong. Jesus
came, being born of a woman, he was fully God and fully man. He grew up, grew in the things of God, was
baptized and carried out a powerful ministry on planet earth. But when the time came for him to look toward
his death and ascension back to the right hand of the Father, he said,
"But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come
to you: but if I go, I will send him to
you." (John16:7) Wow. I am sure the disciples were floored to hear that they would be better
off after their Savior, Teacher, and Messiah left the world.
Why
is it better for us that Jesus ascended
to heaven? When he walked the
earth, he could only be in one place at one time, thusly constrained by his
human body. But when he sent the
Counselor, or Holy Spirit, he was made available to all believers. He can fill me up at the same time he fills you up. He can be with me in America and be with you
in Jamaica! He is constantly present,
teaching me things I need to learn, reminding me of things I have
forgotten. And always, always, he
testifies to the truth that Jesus is the Son of God. He never does anything that is not in complete
harmony with Father and Son. What a
mighty God we serve!
If we
are to walk in victory and overcome the things of the world, we must give place
to the Holy Spirit, inclining our ear and heart to his voice.
Dear Lord, thank you for the marvelous
gift of the Holy Spirit. I am so
grateful for his ministry in my life.
Help me to be a willing student with a teachable heart. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Sherri
"Everyone
who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves
the father loves his child as well. This
is how we know that we love the children
of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the
world. This is the victory that has
overcome the world, even our faith."
I John 5:1-4
Victory. We hear it chanted at every ball game. People
work months or even years, honing their
skills so that they can be the victor in a sporting event. Winning is something we all strive for. It is just plain more fun to win at something
than to lose!
Winning
at life is a lot like winning a ball game.
There are days we succeed, others we fail, but we work toward a winning
average. If you do not feel any victory in your day to day life, you need to
be reminded of today's verse! The first
key to winning is to be born of God. No
matter how talented, great or powerful you are, you are not stronger than your
enemy. But when you receive Christ as
Savior, and ask him into your heart, your positionally transferred from being
on the losing side to being on the winning side. Jesus overcame the world, and as a born again
child of God, you are a part of the body
of Christ! Success is in your new,
super-charged spiritual DNA. He overcome
all that could ever defeat us- sin; sickness; bondage and death. All of that was defeated by his completed
work at Calvary. Because he made an
"open show" of defeating the
enemy, he is qualified to make us victorious over these things as well.
The
second key to victory is your faith. We
have to believe what the Bible says about us.
What it says we can have, what we can do, and what we can become. We have to reach out by faith and receive it
in the Spirit. All that you need, Christ
purchased for you. It is available, just
reach out and accept it today in Jesus' Name.
If you are lacking faith, begin to study your Word and pray. Allow your faith muscle to be exercised and
you will begin to enjoy greater levels of victory in your everyday life.
A
final key to victory is to understand your relationship with the world. We are in the world, but not of the
world. We live here, but we cannot let
culture dictate our direction. Rather,
we have to be a counter-culture for Christ!
You cannot both play with the world and overcome it.
Need
more victory in your life? Exercise your
faith and enjoy the benefits!
Dear Lord, help me to overcome any bondages to this world. Enable to walk in increasing levels of victory. In
Jesus' Name. Amen.
Sherri
"Everyone
who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves
the father loves his child as well. This
is how we know that we love the children
of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. This is love for God: to obey his
commands. And his commands are not burdensome," I John 5:1-2
"I
would serve God, but there are too many rules!" You have heard the excuses from people, just
as I have. Unsaved people tend to think
that Christianity is a burdensome list of do's and don'ts that we laboriously
carry out like robots. It is not
surprising that people feel that way.
For one thing, Satan is the deceiver, and he likes to present the gospel
to people as too much trouble. Another
reason is that (possibly) well-meaning people have so legalized Christianity
with their own rules that they make it seem unappealing to those on the
outside.
The
truth of the matter is, there is no greater joy in all the world than walking
with God. There is no greater delight
than basking in his presence. Obeying
God's commands brings fulfillment that cannot be found in any other way. For a child who feels loved by his parents,
and who loves his parents in return, obedience is not hard to do. When we are motivated by love, the grace to
carry out the commands comes easily.
The
Bible is full of the commands of God.
Some are reflected in the Ten Commandments, others are found
in the New Testament. They all tie
back to loving God and loving people.
This endeavor is a lifelong pursuit that we meet with relative success at
times and failure at others.
The
commands of God are not burdensome because he lives inside of us and gives us
what we need to complete it. He shapes
our motives and character and enables us to want what he wants. He gifts us with the Holy Spirit to enable us
to become more like him and to empower us to do his will.
If we are only willing, God offers a no-fail plan of success. He can redeem even our mistakes and turn it
for our good. What an amazing God we
serve!
Dear Lord, help me be obedient to your
commands. Help me live your Word in my
everyday life. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Sherri
