The Gospel According to John
Each of the 4 Gospels in the New Testament of the Bible has something special to offer in testifying about Jesus and what occurred while he actually walked as a man. This is, of course, is because Jesus had special interactions with each individual Apostle, as well as group interactions with all of them. One of the most popular scriptures found in the book of John is:
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
When taking this scripture out of the context of the 3rd chapter of John, it appears that God is kind, loving, and caring about man to a fault. Make no mistake about it…He is! Now take the time to read the rest of this chapter and see what else we can find out about what it takes to receive this blessing from God!
John 3:5-6
Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”
These 2 scriptures tell us a great deal about how we must prepare ourselves if we want the ‘everlasting life’ that is being offered to everyone who will receive it. Here is a clear reference to both the ‘Water Baptism’ and the ‘Baptism of the Holy Spirit’.
When discussing the ‘Water Baptism’, the practice generally considered to fully immerse one’s body below the surface of the water when one is willing asking to receive.
The ‘Baptism of the Holy Spirit’ is the baptism that usually sparks controversy! Some believe this is not necessary to enter the Kingdom of God, but if I were a doubter in this baptism, this passage would make me reconsider. How can you be ‘born of spirit’ if you have not received this baptism? The method in which I received this baptism was simply having my forehead anointed with a drop of oil, and church elders laid hands on me and prayed for me to receive. I will not get into the ‘signs’ that should follow this baptism at this time. I do believe this particular baptism is one that will empower you in a way that you can be better prepared for that which lies ahead in your life.
John3:18
‘He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the only begotten Son of God.”
This passage is as clear as a sunny day. You can choose to accept Christ, but the choice to deny accepting condemns one already. Remember, these are quotations that John took directly from Jesus!!!!!!!!
John 3:19
“And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. “
Asking one to change is something not many want to do, even though they might realize for a time that change must take place in order to walk with God. It appears that it is easier to debate the existence of God rather than change.
John 3: 20-21
For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been ‘done in God’.
Simply put, evil doers hate those who do good, because they ‘feel exposed’ for their dirty deeds. Hatred and persecution of those who do good help to make evil doers feel better about their trade. You can justify all you want, but if you are not one, YOU ARE THE OTHER! Two choices do not exist..there is just one choice!
John 3 :36
“He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him!
Can any of us dare to face the ‘wrath of God’? I hope you are now beginning to get the picture that the loving God is reserved for those who love Him! Be clear about this…God wants everyone to accept Jesus, and promises everyone a chance, (or chances) to do so. If the end comes and you do not abide, I would not want to walk on that particular path!
I now want to jump ahead to a passage in Chapter 4 of John. This passage struck me hard as I have been listening to a Christian Show sponsored by Andrew Womack. Evidently, there is a direct connection to seeing God’s Word come to life for us if we practice faith, and truth! Please carefully read the passage below, and make note to focus on the word ‘truth’ and ‘true’. This is a practice that very few practice completely, and this must change!
John 4: 23-24
But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.
Is this you? If not, are you spiritually able to make the change? We have been created in God’s image and have been given dominion over this planet. God’s Word can and will manifest for us if we faithfully (100% of the time) practice speaking His Word with faith, and worshiping God in spirit and in truth, ALWAYS! Since God’s Word is the creative force, so will our words be if we always speak the truth. Our lies and misdeeds are what keep us from receiving from God. There can be no faith and belief if we mix truth with lies! Make note of the word ‘must’ in this passage. This is a necessity!
Thank you Lord for sharing this revelation…I believe in my heart this will open closed doors for some of our readers. In Jesus’ name; Amen
