John 3:1-21 Jesus is the Light that Gives Eternal Life

John 3:1-21 NIV
Today, in our reading, we have one of the most well known scripture verses: John 3:16. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

I have a few friends who are non-Trinitarian. I remember one of them asking me what my favorite scripture was. At the time it was John 3:16. She was totally aghast. Her reply was something like: "I should have known." You see, there is something in John 3:16 that I had never thought about and in fact I still do not see how it means what she thought it meant. She felt we (Trinitarians) use it to justify our belief in the Trinity. I had never thought about it that way. I saw and still see John 3:16 as a  reminder that God was willing to give his only begotten Son for us and as a promise that all who believe in His Son will have eternal light.

The light has come into the world. The light is Jesus the Christ. Those who receive the light will inherit eternal life.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Jeremiah 36 - Proclaim God's Word

One way or another, the people will hear the word of the LORD. They didn't listen to Jeremiah. He was restricted from the temple because of his preaching. Now, he has Baruch write down his sermons and bring them to the temple to read. Baruch is questioned. Are these not Jeremiah's sermons? Baruch is advised that he and Jeremiah ought to get out of town and hide as this will be reported to the king. It surely was. The king burns the scroll containing the word of the LORD and puts out a warrant for Baruch and Jeremiah. But, even as the LORD has hidden them, Jeremiah and Baruch write yet another scroll with the word of the LORD on it so that all may hear and turn to God.

In Matthew 24:10-14 Jesus tells his followers: "At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."

Whatever it takes... speak it; write it; send it in letters; post in on the lamp post; or even the door to the church; Facebook it; tweet it; but, get the word out. Proclaim the gospel of the kingdom as a testimony to the whole world, to all people. Just as in Jeremiah's day, you may well be persecuted for speaking the truth. You may end up in hiding for awhile. Luther did. There are faithful children of God in this world, even today, who are even put to death for the proclamation of the Good News. Kings really don't like having another kingdom proclaimed. Whatever it takes, proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God for all who believe, through Jesus Christ, our LORD.

Jeremiah attempted to get the word out by use of the law; but, we have a message that is not one of impending doom. It is a message of grace. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16) That is, eternal life in the Kingdom of God where we live completely, totally, in His presence.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Ecclesiastes 8 - Eat, Drink, Be Glad; Live Life

"So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun." (Eccl 8:15 NIV)

Would this not be a wonderful way for the world to live: for everyone to be able to enjoy our daily lives; to eat, drink, and be glad; even as we go about the business of providing for ourselves, our families, even our neighbors? Sadly, it is not so. Those who prefer to spend their time stirring up strife, destroying the lives of others, are always around. The wicked need to have things their way. Whatever they think is good for them is the way that they will go regardless of the trouble and harm it may bring to others. They do not understand that "....wickedness will not release those who practice it." (Eccl 8:8) There will, sadly, be consequences. Consequences not just to those who actually carry out things such as mass murders, but to those who secretly plot against their neighbors to cause problems in their daily lives. Their wicked ways will turn upon them.

Thanks be to God, that God in His infinite mercy, sent His only begotten Son, so that all who believe might not perish, but have eternal life in His presence, in His Kingdom, where there actually is joy and peace. (John 3:16, Rom 14:17) Repent then... turn from the wickedness in your heart and live life in Christ. Live life in the one who truly loves you and was willing to be persecuted, tortured, and die for you. The wisdom of living life in Christ will bring a brightness to your face and change your hard appearance as well as the hardness of your heart. Live Life! And... let others do the same.

God's Peace - Pr. J