Author: JT Hutts

Jesus is Greater than Moses

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“Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God’s house. For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses—as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself. (For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.) Now Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, but Christ is faithful over God’s house as a son. And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.” – Hebrew 3:1-6

Moses is a legend and hero among the Jewish people. In miraculous fashion, he led the children of Israel out of Egyptian slavery to the border of the Promised Land (v.2). God gave him the Law, he built the tabernacle marking the presence of God with his people, and he was an example of faithfulness (Num. 12:7; Heb. 11:26-29).

As much of a star Moses was in history and Scripture, Jesus is even more stellar. Consider Jesus. Take a good look at him. He became a servant and man. He was faithful to do all the Father sent him to do as Apostle and High Priest (v.1). Even Moses, prophesied about him, the Greater One who would come after him (v.5; Deut. 18:15-19).

Jesus is worthy of greater glory than Moses simply because Jesus is the Creator and center of all things (v.3), he is the builder and architect of the house in which Moses served, fulfiller of the Law (cf. 8:5; 10:1), he is the heir and ruler of all things (v.6), he is the master-servant, and he is the author salvation (v.4). There isn’t a man in all of history who can make that claim except Jesus.

We have no greater hope than Jesus. When you consider the greatness of Jesus it encourages and empowers your faithfulness to endure in your heavenly calling (v.1), which you share with other believers and members of the house of God (v.6) who are wandering this world eagerly awaiting the eternal Promised Land.

 

Questions for Reflection:

  • Why might Jews have thought Moses was greater than Jesus?
  • How are Jesus and Moses similar? How is Jesus greater than Moses?
  • What is your heavenly calling? (v. 3:1; Eph. 4:1; Phil. 3:14) How is it a shared calling?
  • How will you consider Jesus and hope in him today? In what areas is God calling you to be faithful?

grace has a story

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Are you in need of grace? I am. Everyday. Every moment. I am serious need of grace.

If we’re honest, we really don’t like stories of grace. If we’re in the story it can be hard and there’s nothing we can do about it. Prior to experiencing grace many experience shame, pain, loss, and heartache. On the other hand, if someone else enjoys the gift of grace we cry unfair. Yet Grace isn’t about fairness. Grace offends us because it tells us we can’t do anything to deserve it! Grace costs nothing for the recipient but everything for the giver. Grace is an extravagant, ridiculous, over-the-top gift.

The Scriptures are swarming with stories of grace—Adam, Noah, Abraham. David, the murderous adulterer became king of Israel and a man after God’s own heart. Peter, the man with foot-in-mouth-disease, cursed and swore that he didn’t know Jesus became a powerful soul-winner and fed of Jesus’ flock. And Jesus taught many stories of grace that rattled his hearers like the Prodigal Son, the Unfair Landowner, the One Lost Sheep and the Wedding Banquet. He hung out with sinners. His whole story was one of grace— the Servant King—God in skin bearing the wrath of God for man’s sin (2 Cor. 8:9).

The Apostle Paul was a story of grace. Even in his day, his story had some people puzzled. They said, “Paul claims to be an apostle, but he didn’t become one like the others.” They cried foul and spread rumors that he was a fake apostle. How ungracious they were, but before we point fingers let’s see how Paul responds. It is here in his letter to the Galatian church that he defends his call and ministry.

Paul’s letter to the Galatian church was his very first epistle. He wrote it right after his first missions trip to Galatia (central Turkey) where he stayed less than a year. The letter sets the tone for future letters. Interestingly, no more than two sentences into each letter Paul greets his readers in the “grace of Jesus.” Grace is a big deal to Paul because he has been so impacted by that grace.

To better understand Paul’s defense of his apostleship it’s important to know what an apostle is and does. In order to be an apostle, one needed to complete this checklist: 1) An eyewitness of Christ and his ministry, 2) an eyewitness of Christ’s resurrection, 3) appointed by Christ Himself, 4) able to perform signs and wonders like Christ, 5) received divine revelation, and 6) laid the foundation of the church. If you can check ‘Yes’ to all, then you’re an apostle. Not many could say ‘Yes’.  Paul could legitimately check all the boxes along with the original twelve, yet he didn’t necessarily check them in the same way they did. He took the delayed route.

In Galatians 1:11–12, Paul states his defense: my message and ministry are from God not man. He didn’t claim to concoct or change the Gospel, but insists he got it straight from Jesus Himself (cf. v.1). Paul goes on to defend the gospel message and apostolic ministry by sharing three stories from his past. Each story zeroes in on the grace of God for the grace of God is Paul’s greatest defense for his message and ministry. (And I would add, yours too, since we are are all stories of God’s amazing grace.)

“For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.” – Galatians 1:11-12

GRACE COVERS A SHADY PAST (Galatians 1:13-14)

Paul’s first story stretches back to before he met Jesus. He highlights in this story two aspects of his life and resume—his religious heritage and his religious radicalism (v.13-14). Why would he choose to share these two parts of his religious resume here? Why wouldn’t he choose the other parts? It’s that these two aspects highlight how much he needed grace. Paul was the rising star in his field. If he had Linked-In, he’d be suffocated under an avalanche of requests from major synagogues, law schools, and terrorist organizations. He was a stud and knew it. He was a shady guy who was ripe to be a story of God’s grace. As Paul later reflected, “Where sin increased, grace increased all the more.” (Rom. 5:20) Grace covers a shady past.

“For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers.” – Galatians 1:13-14

Like Paul, before Jesus intersected with your life you were an enemy of God. You were filthy rags, scum, a lover of darkness, an orphan, and lost. You were self-righteous to the core. You did some shady things. (You say were, what about are?)

Yet the hope of the gospel is that your former or current life can become your former life. You don’t have to be who you were, but by grace you can be who you were meant to be in Christ. What part of your shady past do you have a difficult time allowing God to cover with his grace? So many Christians today are handicapped by their past sins. There sins cause an ever looming shadow. They are crippled. But grace says pick up you mats and walk. This is Amazing Grace!

GRACE FOREVER ARRESTS THE SOUL (1:15-16b, 24)

In Paul’s second story, he tells how grace not only covered his past, but also captures his present and his future. He reflects on and relishes in his conversion story. What we see is: All God and all grace! For we see to save Paul,

God did it. “He who set me apart before I was born.” (vs.15a, 16a) God did what, when? God saved Paul! He intended it before he was born! Do you see the beauty and patience of God saving Paul in his good timing? That’s what we call sovereign grace at work (cf. Eph. 1:4).

God did it by grace. “And [God] called me by His grace,” (v.15b) It wasn’t because Paul deserved it, earn it, or asked for it. Far from it. Paul was in dire and desperate need of grace. God saved Paul while he was on an anti-mission trip with documents in hand to oppress, imprison, and stone Christians (Acts 9:1-8, 22:4-18, 26). Grace means there is nothing I can do to make God love me more, and nothing I can do to make God love me less. It means that I, even I, who deserve the opposite, am invited to take a place at God’s table.

God did it through Christ. “…was pleased to revealed His Son to me.” (v.16a) How humbling is it that the One who Paul was persecuting became his Savior? Yet the Judge makes a convicted criminal headed for death row his friend and brother. And this brought God pleasure! As C.S. Lewis said: “Christianity must be from God, for who else could have thought it up?”

God did it for the sake of others. “…that I might preach Him among the Gentiles.” (v.16b; Acts 9:15-16, 20) Paul was God’s poster-child to the world of what grace does. As an apostle, Paul will go on to do works that I won’t or can’t (i.e. new revelation). However, you and I can know the same grace of God like Paul and God can use you as his poster-child to the world of what grace can do.

God did it for his glory. “And they glorified God because of me.” (v.24) Why did they glorify God? They saw amazing grace on display! They glorified God because nothing or no one could have changed a man like Paul apart from the grace of God.

From the moment God intersects your life by his grace you are forever changed. Grace arrests the soul. It doesn’t just stay in your past, but it becomes a part of who you are everyday. Timothy Keller said,

“Grace is not unconditional acceptance, but it is undeserved. That is a very difficult balance to strike! God’s grace comes to us without prerequisites, finding us as we are. God’s grace does not come to the “deserving” (there is no such person), and it does not discriminate. Rather, initially it comes to us freely. But once it enters into our lives, God’s grace demands changes; it holds us accountable. Why? Grace demands our holiness and growth for our sake as well as for God’s glory. Grace intercepts destructive behavior, protects us from the ravages of sin, sanctifies us so we can be “holy and happy,” two inseparable qualities… [Grace] says, “Your sin cannot separate you from me,” and then, in addition, says, “I won’t let your sin destroy you.” Grace comes to the unlovely person, but refuses to let him remain ugly.” – Ministries of Mercy: The Call of the Jericho Road. P&R Publishing, Phillipsburg, NJ. 1997. 226-227.

The world of ungrace tried to discredit Paul and the gospel. It will try to do the same to you. Satan will try to allow you to wallow in your past or ongoing sin, but allow God’s grace to forever arrest your soul. Grace changes everything. And it will change you. Rest in God’s sovereign grace calling you before you were born. Revel in the fact that you were completely undeserving of his grace. Remember, God was pleased to cover you in his grace. Radiate grace for the sake of others that they may glorify God.

GRACE MULTIPLIES GRACE (1:16c-23)

Paul’s last story shares how he went on to grow in grace and spread that grace to the Gentiles (vs.16c-22). Paul formerly an ungracious religious punisher is now grace’s powerful promoter. The people even said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” (v.23) Paul is a changed man and has become a messenger of grace. That’s what grace does. Grace multiplies grace. What we see from this point onward is grace multiplying grace in Paul’s message and ministry.

Paul’s story is a story of grace. From Paul’s story we learn: (1) Grace saves sinners. Everyday sinful, broken people all over the world are being transformed by the message of Jesus Christ. (2) Grace sustains us from the moment we are born again to the day we die. God said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor. 12:9) (3) Grace, in you, is a humble, powerful witness to the world. You are a story of grace. You are a vessel of grace. You are God’s means of multiplying grace to the world. Who are you a multiply grace to right now? Is there anyone by grace you are needing to forgive?

Paul shows the paradox of grace. Before Christ, he thinks he’s “the best”, but after he thinks he’s “the worst” (1 Cor. 15:9-11; Eph. 3:8; 1 Tim. 1:12-16; Rom 10:1; 11:13-14). It is not that Paul has a poor self-esteem or low self-image. He has a self-awareness like John Newton knowing he is “a great sinner and Jesus is a great Savior.” What greater defense of Paul’s ministry and the message of the gospel is needed other than the one word “grace”? Grace is your greatest defense too.

My story is a story of grace.  I was born to two teenage parents who divorced before I could speak.  I grew up mostly under my  grandparents roof while my mom worked.  I was a bitter and troubled kid.  I had reckless friends.  My teacher wrote me off.  The school counselor mocked me. My child psychiatrist was stumped. I even considered suicide.  I was broken.

Until.

One Sunday, shortly after my mother remarriage and we relocated to a new part of our state.  We attended Bible church together.  It was a bit weird at first.  Everyone had Bibles.  My mom later went to Sam’s Club and bought Bibles for the family.  I began being discipled.  That was a new thing.  I gained new friends who really cared for my soul.  I enjoyed serving rather than being served. I went to Bible College. I became a Pastor.  I really had a passion for broken people. And for the last 4 years spreading the fame of God in North Africa.  That is a crazy story of grace from my perspective.  I’d like to say I’ve arrived but I am still daily in need of grace. This is my story. God’s grace covered my shady past, arrested my soul, and has given me reason to multiply grace with others.

What is your story of grace? Will you allow God’s grace to arrest your soul? With whom do you need to multiply grace? Are you needing grace today?

 

Reflection:

  • How does Paul’s defense of his authority and call echo that of Jesus’ own defense of his authority and call?
  • Do you ever find yourself thinking you deserve God’s grace? What prompts you to think this way?
  • How does the gospel of grace free you from pride and from guilt?
  • In what ways can you see how God worked in your life before your conversion to equip you to serve Him after it?

Jesus is the Greater Savior

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“For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. It has been testified somewhere, “What is man, that you are mindful of him, or the son of man, that you care for him? You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honor, putting everything in subjection under his feet.”

Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, saying, “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”

And again, “I will put my trust in him.”

And again, “Behold, I and the children God has given me.”

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” – Hebrews 2:5-18

We live in a world fascinated by saviors. Every summer the masses cram into cinemas with bubbly drinks and buttery fingers to watch the next Marvel or DC hero duke out good versus evil. Yet no superhero or man in human history can touch Jesus’ feat.

Jesus was the founding member of the Universe Club. He was there. He spoke the universe into existence. He was not only the founder of creation, he was also the founder of salvation for all mankind (v.10). Wow. The always existing God stepped into time and skin to sacrifice himself for man’s greatest need: the curse of sin (vs.7-8).

What did you do to deserve such a heroic salvation? Not a thing. For a moment, think about all that Christ did for you. He became a man “becoming a little lower than the angels” by taking on human flesh like yours (vs.9, 14). He took your place on the cross. He tasted your death and curse. He restored your relationship to God. He led the way to your salvation through his suffering (v.10). He became your brother and sanctifier (vs.11-13). Ultimately, he succeeded where you failed (v.15, 17-18). And that’s a very good thing for if he didn’t save you nothing you do could save yourself.

Compared to Jesus all comic book characters or nonfictional heroes are piddly and have imperfections. Jesus is the perfect real-life Savior who he deeply cares for the downtrodden, distressed, and destitute (vs.5-6). No other Savior can fulfill the promise that Jesus can by becoming the curse for sin. He is truly heroic. That makes him your great Savior and worthy of your trust.

 

Questions for Reflection:

  • What makes Jesus the founder of our salvation?
  • How is our salvation made perfect through the suffering of Christ?
  • Why was it necessary for Jesus to come to earth to become your Savior?
  • How can Jesus free you from the fear of death? Or help you when tempted?
  • How does this passage funnel glory to Jesus the great Savior?
  • How can you make yourself lesser and Jesus greater? (Mt. 18:1-6; 23:11-12)

Jesus Gives Greater Salvation

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“Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.” – Hebrews 2:1-4

Have you ever been on a road that had a sign that read, “Warning! Falling Rocks Next 8 Kilometers?” You know that sign is there because at one time someone felt the carnage of a falling rock.

Attention! These verse tell the first of five warnings mentioned in the letter to the Hebrews. This particular warning is for those who intellectually know Jesus saves, but are spiritually uncommitted to him. These people are in grave danger of drifting away from what they know (cf. Mt. 7:21-23). In the end the Rock will fall as be their Judge rather than their Savior (10:26-27).

The cure for spiritual drift is to acknowledge the warning sign and heeds its good news. Step towards Jesus, not away from him. Hear what Jesus has already declared (v.3b), hear what his followers have attested (v.3c), regard the marvelous signs and wonders Jesus has done (v.4a), and witness the work and gifts of the Holy Spirit (v.4b). When you consider each of those categories, how could you drift from what you know or consider any other promise of salvation is so great?

 

Questions for Reflection:

  • What things cause us to meander from what we know will truly save? (Mt. 13:18ff)
  • What does it mean to neglect (vs. reject) such a great salvation? (Mt. 22:5)
  • What are the dangers of neglecting salvation? How is Jesus both Judge and Savior?
  • What makes salvation through Jesus so great?
  • How can you protect yourself from drifting?

Jesus is greater than angels

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“…having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.  For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”?

Or again, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son”?

And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.”

Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.”

But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”

And, “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed.
But you are the same, and your years will have no end.”

And to which of the angels has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”?

Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?” – Hebrews 4:4-14

Angels are impressive and awe inspiring creatures. They aren’t like the cute and chubby knickknacks one buys for their curio-cabinet. Whenever an angel was present in Scripture the onlooker trembled and thought it was God.

Angels, although god-like, are created beings. Since they are created by God they are lesser than God, not equal. They were created to be God worshipers. They worship Jesus.

Jesus himself was not created. He has always been. Since he has always been, he has a greater name (v.4-5), honor (v.6), authority (v.7-9), tenured (v.10-12), and greater destiny (v.13-14). No angel can say he is greater than Jesus within any of those categories. Only Jesus.

As fascinating and mysterious as angels are, Jesus is far greater than they will ever be. Before Jesus all the angels bow and are in awe.

 

Questions for reflection:

  • What do you know about angels? Why are people fascinated by angels? How are angels great and awe inspiring creatures?
  • In what ways is Jesus greater than angels?
  • How does this passage also help you understand that Jesus is greater than your agendas, plans, even you yourself?
  • What awes you about Jesus?

Jesus is the Greatest

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“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:1-3)

Most letters start with a greeting like “Dear Bob”. Not the letter to the Hebrews. The very first lines of this letter declare the greatness of Jesus Christ being greater than any other person, prophet or spokesman for God.

In this short salutation, the author describes Jesus in all his greatest. He is greatest in at least five categories. First, Jesus is the heir of the universe (vs.1-2a). He owns it all and oversees it all. Second, He is the Creator (vs.2b, 3b). He spoke world into existence and he holds it all together. Third, he is the radiance of God’s glory and shows what God is like (v.3a). Fourth, he is the greater sacrifice (v.3c). Fifth, he is seat at the right hand of God. He is in a position of power and authority (v.3d). He rules and reigns. In all five categories, no one compares or outshines Jesus.

If Jesus is greater than any other thing in the universe, if he created everything and holds it together by the power of his word, if he is the final and once-for-all sacrifice for sin, then he greater than any other thing in this life.   Jesus is the true GOAT; greatest of all time.  He won’t settle to be less than your greatest.

 

Questions for Reflection

What makes something or someone great? How does Jesus blow the roof off greatness?

What about the open verses of Hebrews separate Jesus from every other man who has ever lived? Which of the five categories wows you the most?

How does looking at Jesus as the greatest help cure spiritual apathy and discouragement?

How does God speak to us through Jesus? In what ways does Jesus show you what God is like?

What things do you often make greater than Jesus?

Take these verses and make a prayer to Jesus.

God is King

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“God is king over the whole earth” (Zechariah 14:9; Psalm 47:7)

God is King
with

A kingdom without natural border in the universe
A domain relished the hearts of Your subjects
A duration without conception or culmination
A reign characterized by justice and righteousness

God is King
by

A dominance unshakeable, regal and kind
A vaunted power above all nations and people
A Name renown throughout all generations
All praise is due him. My lips declare it.

God is King
but

Peoples and the leaders oppose You
You laugh at it, yet your heart breaks
You press forward without wavering Your hope
Honoring the High King of heaven, a Son.

God is King
and

The Hope of Nations you endowed.
A priceless inheritance beyond the grave.
The Rock that will shatter every empire
Until every one of them returns to dust.

God is King
yet

You are sent a Suffering Servant.
A Sovereign who can turn the soul homeward.
Whether king or subject You humble .
Worship the King in reverence and awe.

God is King

May I cease rejoicing in my feeble feats
Take the crown from my grip.
For I revel in Your glorious deeds.
Now and Forevermore.

“Your God reigns” (Isaiah 52:7)

Does church make a Christian?

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Or in other words, can someone really be a “Christian” but never go to church? In short, “Yes” and “No” but before you roll your eyes because of a flip-flopped answer, let me explain.

Someone does not have to go to church to be a Christian. The Bible does not directly say, “Thou shalt go to church or thou art not Christian.” Yet to not go to church does not make Bible-sense. Its like a train saying, “I don’t need tracks,” or a fish saying “I don’t need the water.” The longer a “Christian” separates himself from the community the less like Jesus he becomes. Just like a train without tracks becomes derailed and fish without water becomes deadly.

My step-father is a carpenter. One day while on the job his table saw slipped and it sliced through his finger. That finger was dead, but at the hospital the doctor did surgery and reattached it to his hand. It healed and grew strong again. That is the miracle and power of being connected to the body.

You can’t take your finger off and on without consequences. Some might prefer to have a prosthesis that can be removed whenever, yet if you ask a person who has a prosthesis, like my friend Darrell, they will agree the real thing is so much better. To have real blood pumping through your veins connected wholly to the body is in our design (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:12-26).

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:23-25)

A Christian who doesn’t care to gather and connect with other Christians in the church is no different from a football fanatic who thinks his best view of the game is from the comfort of his couch. He will cheer for his favorite team or player though he is missing out on the amazing reality of rubbing shoulders with others other fans, even players on the team. As Kyle Idleman echoes in his radical book Not a Fan,

“The biggest threat to the church today is fans who call themselves Christians but aren’t actually interested in following Christ. They want to be close enough to Jesus to get all the benefits, but not so close that it requires anything from them.”

There is more to “encouraging one another” than saying kind words and cheering each other on. Encouraging means I will get off the bleacher and onto the field. I participate in the action. I will listen to the calls from the coach and the Playbook. I will hold a block or run a screen. I will cart an injured team mate to the locker room and help him rehabilitate. I will commit to being a team player and show up week in and week out, even bulk up between games.

I think I have overused that illustration, but I did so to make a point. That’s what followers of Christ do. Christians, church going Christians, are not passive or solitary. That makes the church wonderful and wonder-filled, especially when you got more fingers than toes and other complications that naturally come with a body. Being part of a community is more than just being a card carrier with benefits.

Yes, you can be a Christian and not go to church. However, a self-proclaimed Christian who does not belong to the church is not practicing biblical Christianity at all.

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kneel to appeal

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How I wonder, where I wonder
Is a place so far away
A place I wish to stay
And sin never causes sway.

Help me show and don’t say No
To life ever happy
Living without tragedy
And alone designed for me.

Does it exist beyond our bliss
Of reality this afternoon?
My nativity’s evil gloom
And worldly sorrowful tune.

Now is the time to find
Light in darkness’s way.
How beautifully shone today
As knees bend and tongues pray.

The fight is won, glory to the Son
To whom all is given fully
The Sacrifice nailed to a tree
and painfully done for me.

 

Revised from a poem I wrote on October 7, 1999
Source: Philippians 2:1-11

 

how the nearness of God matters

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The last part of Philippians 4:5 says, “The Lord is at hand.”  Some take this to mean, Jesus is coming back soon.  While that is true, it also means God is present.  He is near.  It’s when our life is chaotic, when we don’t feel so happy about our circumstances, or when we are tempted to worry it is the nearness of God that matters most.   We know God is near.  Theology tells us God is omnipresent, but how does that matter when I need it most?

Philippians 4:1-9 is like the junk drawer of the letter (before you get in a huff let me explain), yet unlike most junk drawers this text is jam packed with treasures.  It’s junk that is valuable gems for your faith (e.g. 7 rapid-fire commands).  There is too much here to talk about today, so I will limit my focus to two commands and the intersection that brings them together which is the nearness of God.  Today we will explore how the nearness of God matters.

SINCE GOD IS NEAR I CAN HAVE REASONABLE JOY (4:1-5)

Paul has deep joy for Philippi.  He planted the church 10 years prior with a slave girl, a jailer and fam, and a business woman named Lydia.  Now there are others.  Paul addresses them all as “brothers” (v.1), not because he couldn’t remember their names, but because they were that close to his heart.  He proves it by using other terms of endearment like: “whom I long for”, (cf. 1:8) “my joy and crown”, (cf. 1:4; 2:16) “my beloved.”   Aren’t those encouraging words to hear?  Don’t you need to hear those words spoken over you?  Or words you should share over one another?  Look around.  Do you think of one another this way?  Is this the kind of affection you desire to have for one another?

Paul then changes his tone in the next two verses because there are two ladies in the church who aren’t being so affectionate with one another and Paul urges them to reconcile and encourages the church to get involved (vs.2-3).  Why would Paul care if everyone is getting along?  The first reason is that a divided church is a terrible witness Christ.  When people see Christians bicker, bark, and backbite, they certainly don’t see the beauty of Jesus’s Body or Jesus as their Head; they see the ugly reality of someone unchanged by the gospel, which is something they see everyday.

The second reason is that togetherness in Christ—a church fixed on Jesus—results in joy.  Paul says, “Rejoice,” and in case you didn’t hear it, “again I say rejoice.” (v. 4).  Joy here is not optional, it’s essential.  I like how Eugene Peterson in The Message puts it, “Celebrate God all day, everyday. I mean revel in him!  Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them.”  Isn’t it interesting that this familiar command reserved for coffee cups and kids club songs follows a plea for conflict resolution?  Holding grudges, giving people what they deserve, gossiping about your brothers and sisters, gives a smug sense of satisfaction, but it more so produces relational emptiness, not deep joy.

If you are around Christians you are also around conflict.  Each of us are so different.  We have different personalities, different interests, different spiritual gift, but there are two things we have in common: 1) we are all sinners and, 2) we are all sinners redeemed by the blood of Jesus.   Jesus died so that our greatest conflict (between He and us) would be resolved and it makes resolution between our brothers and sisters possible.  Joy is at stake (cf. 2:2).

It sounds so unreasonable, doesn’t it?  To rejoice always doesn’t seem practical or attainable.  How do you rejoice when your child is hurting?  When your marriage is rocky?  When things aren’t going well at all?  You got to remember Paul isn’t commanding the church to just be happy when everything is going well, but to rejoice in the midst of chaos, in those emergency moments, when you get that phone call, when it is most difficult to have joy.  You and I need help with this command, don’t we?

How is joy possible in those moments?  Thank God He tells you and doesn’t leave you hanging.  He says, “Let your reasonableness be known to all.” (v.5a)  Again, joy doesn’t seem so reasonable here, until you know the soil that joy is rooted in.  This joy is not predicated by your circumstances.  It never is.  The ability to have reasonable joy in whatever situation is because “the Lord is at hand.” (v.5b)

Resting in the promise that the “Lord is near.”  gives a future hope.  He is coming.  It’s a sure thing.  As sure as the dawn.  When he comes he will make all that’s wrong in the world right.  No more sorrow.  No suffering.  No conflict.  He will wipe every tear.  He will reconcile creation.  Yet there is also a present hope.  What is more encouraging than knowing the Lord is near to you, even right now? He is with you, always.  That is reasonable.  God is sovereign over your yesterday, today, and tomorrow..  He is loving.  He is good.  When everything in life is hard, nothing is hard for him (Jer. 32:17, 27).  In the moment of chaos, the God of the universe, the God who rescued and saved you, is not Himself powerless at all in that moment, is not at all surprised or shocked by that moment, is not reeling one bit or trying to figure out what to do in that moment.  That’s not what He does.  He’s there.  He knows.  He is with you.  He is in control within the chaos.  That is reason to rejoice.  That’s where reasonable joy is rooted.

May my prayer be like Job, “Though [You] slay me, I will hope in [You].” (13:15) or like Jehoshaphat, “[I] do not know what to do, but [my] eyes are on you.” (2 Chron. 20:12)  Or may my prayer be, “Lord, help me to rejoice in You in this moment.  Help me to be reasonable.  I am not happy with this horrific situation.  However, You are in control.  I trust You.  You love me.  You understand what You’re doing.  I have You.  I am Yours.”

What if you just can’t get along with your brother or sister?  What is the one thing you can get along with together?  The gospel—Jesus!  Learn to love Jesus more than your opinions.  Remember WHO you have in common.  The gospel makes what is irreconcilable reconcilable.  The gospel makes resolving conflict possible.   It makes Jesus and the Body shine.  And creates fertile soil for the roots of deep joy.

Few things are more fatal to your faith than the poisonous idea that joy in Jesus is optional, not essential.  Rejoicing always doesn’t mean there isn’t sorrow.  In fact, Paul says that sorrow and rejoicing can exist simultaneously: “… as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing.” (2 Corinthians 6:10). What Paul means is that sorrowful circumstances will come, and may cut deep, but the undercurrent of joy runs deeper still because he is the source of it and he is a river that never runs dry.

SINCE GOD IS NEAR I HAVE NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT (4:6-9)

Paul finishes his thought with something a bit extreme.  He says, “do not be anxious about anything.”  Anything?  Really?  Literally he means no-thing.  Not one thing is to be the cause of your worry.

Worry is the enemy of joy.  If you are filled with joy you are not filled with worry, but if you are filled with worry you are not filled with joy.  It’s that simple.

The questions is, “What do you have to worry about?”  One might say, “A lot.  Let me give you a list: my health and future, my spouse or lack thereof, my kids health and future, my responsibilities, that project due soon, travels, the holidays.”  And the list could go on and on, right?

But let me ask that question again, “What do you have to worry about?”  The answer: nothing.  Why?  There is not one square millimeter of creation or one millisecond of time that God is not present or sovereign.  God is near.  God knows not time.  If we worry about the future, may we not forget that the future is a place where God already is.

Paul says that worrying is worthless.  It doesn’t help the problem.  In fact, it adds to it.  Jesus says, “Which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” (Mt. 6:27).

God has never failed you.  He has never let you down.  He may not have given you everything you wanted or run your life the way you desired.  He may have never taken your advice or considered your wishlist.  He may have felt distant, but he has never abandoned you.  He has never left you.  You have never been without his love and sovereign care.

Worry is what happens when I believe God is not in control and I can’t be.  But it’s so hard not to worry. I know I shouldn’t worry, but I feel anxious plenty of times about plenty of things. Like those moments when I’m traveling by plane and I suddenly realize that there’s nothing beneath me.  I’m thinking, “Whoa, we’re in the sky.” It’s hard not to be anxious.  Or that time you realize.  I am in Chad.  I am really far from “decent” medical help.  That’ll freak you out.  Also, I have three daughters.  Enough said.  Can I just be honest?  It’s hard not to worry about certain things?

Is there a remedy to eradicating worry?  Paul’s answer is also a bit extreme, “in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (v.6)  Everything?  Really?  Yes.  Everything.  Literally he means, all things.  God wants you to bring all your hurts, pains, worries, fears, and doubts to him.  As we have learned, the Lord is at hand.  He is right there with you in it all.

There are two components to prayer that we learn from Paul that are important for eradicating worry.  The first is supplication.  Supplication is a “Help Me!” prayer.  It fits well with the encouragements Paul has already been teaching on lowliness, humility, and awe of God.  Prayer and worry are sort of the same.  They both rehearse the circumstances and chew it over.  In worry there is no traction.  It spins its wheels.  But praying is worrying at God and handing them over to God.  The second is thanksgiving is to be connected to the first.  Thanksgiving is a “Thank You” to God for his listening ear and loving hand.  Thankfulness is the worry’s kryptonite.  Thanksgiving and worry can’t occupy the same space.  When we come to God with a thankful heart even in the middle of chaos, hurt, or doubts, our worries flee like roaches to light.

And the result is “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (v.7)  This means through prayer the worry I once entertained is now eradicated and replaced by a right understanding and peace that is produced by God and rooted in Christ.

Have you been there?  Yeah, me too.  In the past few weeks, these verses have taken on a freshness I haven’t known since I memorized them as a teenager in Youth Group.   Just last week I had witnessed a horrific situation that revealed worry and fear that had been incubated for years if not generations in my family.  As I prayed about it with some dear friends God not only spoke peace over my life, but he gave me a peace which surpassed all understanding.  Isn’t that often what happens in the hard times?  God is a God of peace.  He has no place with worry, but he loves it when we bring our worries to him with thankful hearts allowing him to Father us.  He knows we are like weak little children, but he is a good strong Father.  He is our peace.

When we live with a lack of worry about the future, even in those tightrope kind of times, we communicate the truth that our God is indeed worthy of our trust—our life.  Worrisome Christians are bad advertisements for the God of all comfort.  But if you have to worry, Paul says worry (or think) on these things, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (v.8)  Aren’t these each powerful combatants to worry?   Where does this kind of thinking lead us?  It leads us to Jesus!  Ultimately, we see these mindsets in Christ.  In other words this text is the action of taking, “every thought (worry) captive to obey Christ.” (2 Cor. 10:5) And the result again is that “the God of peace will be with you.” (v.9b)

It is interesting that Paul concludes this section by saying “practice these things.” (v.9a)  This tells me that not worrying or having reasonable joy in all things doesn’t come naturally to us, but only happens by the power of the Spirit, by the the sweat of faith, by prayer, by doing life in community with other believers.  We have to practice this stuff.  This is the stuff of maturing in Christ.  It’s part of growing up in our faith. Reasonable joy in all things and eradicating worry by prayer is a mark of maturity.  That is the kind of man I want to be and I am certain the kid of man, woman or child you want to be too.  And it’s possible because the Lord is near.

 
Reflection: Can you identify what robs you of joy or worries you today? Is there someone you need to get right with? Will you bring “everything”, right now, to God in prayer with thanksgiving?Spend some time alone or with someone praying together.

James: How Faith Works

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James knew that the world detested Christians, but he also knew the Christian faith was an active world-changing faith. It was a faith at work. In other words, faith had fruits of faith (i.e. works). It was a faith that looked like Jesus, talked like Jesus, and served like Jesus. With millions of Christians suffering persecution and isolation worldwide, what letter couldn’t be more applicable or encouraging today?

So what is faith, true faith? James shows us how faith works. He makes it clear that salvation doesn’t come through good works but that true faith produces good works. The journey of faith is like a construction site where one is continually sharpening their skills on the job and among others. Yet in the case of faith the site is the church among one another. It’s not an easy journey, it’s slow, and there are setbacks. The risks are great, but the reward is even greater because we are in Jesus.

Are you ready to grow in your faith? Then let’s go!

Click here to Download the James Study Guide

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joy full

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A lot about life in North Africa, if you’re not careful, can rob your joy.  The heat.  Heat rash.  Tiredness.  Travels.  Knocks at the gate at 5:00am.  Feeling used for services (ice, car rides, cell phone charging).  Reverse proselytizing.  Language barrier.  Bluntness.  Daily chores.  Sickness.  Lack of communication from the outside world.  Feeling fellowship starved.  Faith parched.

Have you been there?  Maybe you don’t live in Africa, but some joy robbers are universal.  Maybe you could add more to that list.  Maybe your list is more serious.  Stress of parenting.  Strain on marriage.  Conflict with co-workers.  Serious health concerns.  Failure to overcome a sinful habit.  What is your joy robber?  You know what it is?  We often look for joy in all the wrong places.

C.S. Lewis said,

“All that we call human history—money, poverty, ambition, war, prostitution, classes, empires, slavery—is the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy.”  (Mere Christianity)

Just look around.  We are joy junkies.  Lewis continues,

“we know happiness is out there, but like a drunk man, we stumble in the street, knowing we have a home, but we can’t seem to find it.” (Surprised by Joy)

If there is one truth you need to grasp it is this, joy—true joy—is not conditional on circumstance, but centered and anchored in Christ.  Jesus didn’t just come into the world to bring the good news. He is the good news.  He’s good news for your joy.  Joy is not a circumstance it is a Person.  And your joy is at home in Jesus.

In a timely moment, just after teaching on the promise of sending the Holy Spirit, Jesus says to his disciples “you will see me no longer” and “I am going to the Father.” (16:16-18)  It might seem like Jesus threw them a curve ball, if you did not know the context.  Jesus was leaving and didn’t say when he was coming back.  He wasn’t going to the Seven-Eleven to pick up a Slurpee and coming back in a jiffy.  He was going and no man knew the hour he’d return.  Nonetheless, it was a puzzling and polarizing moment.  These guys left their jobs to follow Jesus.  Talk about a joy robbing moment.  Knowing they had questions (seeing it on their faces), Jesus cuts straight to the heart (vs.19-20).

Promise: Jesus turns sorrow to joy (v.20-21)

Jesus was moments away from the cross (v.20).  While the cross could be viewed as the world’s greatest joy crushing moment it was indeed the world’s greatest joy crowning moment.  The disciples would weep but the world would throw a party.  Every play on the field makes someone happy, whether the home team or the enemy.  Yet the cross is where Jesus fought for your joy.  The cross is where the Man of Sorrows purchased your joy.  You don’t find true joy at the cross, it finds you.  So rich and powerful is the joy of Christ that it cuts through any sorrow and pain.

Survey 100 people on what thing in life causes the most pain and the number one answer on the board (particularly for the ladies) will be childbirth.  Men would might add kidney stones for consolation.  I wouldn’t know how either feels.  However, survey the Scriptures and I see that the world’s greatest pain or sorrow is walking through pain and sorrow without Christ.  That hurts.  That kills.  Yet on the flip side walking through sorrow, pain, heartache, disappointment, failed expectations with Christ—though it doesn’t erase the feeling of sorrow—can cause one to forget it.

Jesus agrees with the ladies.  He illustrates (v.21).  A woman in labor has excruciating pain for “a little while”, but the moment she hears her baby cry and that warm life is brought to her side, she quickly forgets her labor pain.  That is one of the world’s greatest paradoxes.  Likewise, it is the a spiritual paradox that sorrow can turn to joy no matter the circumstance.

What pain or sorrow are you walking through right now?  The promise: it will only be for “a little while.”  It will pass.  It will change.  There will be a day when we have no more questions about how much longer you will have to endure.  Sorrow will turn to joy.

Promise: No one can rob joy from you (v.22)

There are a myriad of things that can rob your joy.  Yet the truth is that joy—centered and anchored in Christ—no man, no power, no circumstance can rob from you.

No man can’t rob what he can’t touch.  The joy of Jesus untouchable.  No man can take what is given to you by God.  His joy is forever.  No string attached.  No circumstance thwarting.  Your joy is safest and most secure in Christ.  Promise.

Even in the darkest night, when the thief comes to steal your last ounce of joy, the anchor seems to be losing it’s grip, and your center is tempted to drift.  Jesus say, “My child, I have already fought for your joy.  I have won.  The thief albeit strong is no match for me.  Come rest in me.  Come draw near.  You are safe with me.  I haven’t left you alone.  I am always with you.  My Spirit is with you.”

Principle to Apply: Ask Jesus to make your joy full (vs.23-24)

When Jesus died fellowship with him was removed, but “a little while” later he resurrected and fellowship with him was restored.  Jesus’ greatest desire for you is that you would enjoy him forever.  That you would draw near to Christ now.  That you would call upon his name so that your “joy may be full.”  Get this, you have full license to come before Jesus anytime with your request and the result will be joy overflowing the riverbanks.  Prayer is our pathway to joy in Jesus.  Prayerlessness leads to joylessness.

When you come to Jesus he promises full joy.  Even in Chad, he can fill your joy.  There is a lot about Chad that can renew or refresh your joy:  You see front line answers to prayer.  You experience astounding provisions.  You experience unknown protection.  You have the privilege of telling lost people (swimming in pain and sorrow) about the good news.  And all the while, Jesus is with you, always.

The great Christian paradox is that joy is possible in the midst of un-joyful circumstance because joy is not conditional on circumstance, but centered and anchored in Christ.  Your joy is most at home in Jesus.  Come home, today.  To the place of inescapable and inexpressible joy.

“Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” (Jude 24–25)

What about Christ brings you joy?  
How does Jesus make your joy full?  What do you need to ask in Jesus name today?

70 Portraits of Jesus in John’s Gospel

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John—the beloved disciple of Jesus—writes so that people may believe that Jesus is the Son of God (20:31). John is a Jesus lover. And Jesus loves John too. This mutual love is seen in the way that John writes about Jesus. It’s as if he paints beautiful and endearing portraits of Jesus each able to stand alone for us to marvel at.

As John reflects on Jesus, you are meant to also. Think of yourself at an art gallery. Stand back. Take it in. Get swept up into the scene. Think long and lovingly upon each portrait as John paints it. Jesus will marvel you. He will leave an impression upon you. Each time you look at Jesus you will walk away in awe.

Click Here to Download the “70 Portraits of Jesus in John’s Gospel” Study Guide

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Galatians: In Defense of the Gospel

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Galatians is about the Gospel.  It is about protecting the good news because it is constantly under attack. Paul was ahead of his time when he wrote this letter to Galatia because the same issues they faced centuries ago we face today.  Learn from Paul and the early church how to defend the gospel from attacks from within or without.  This isn’t a study for the faint of heart.

Click here to download the Galatians Study Guide

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Jesus, the I AM, calls for your attention

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To get my attention, my daughters will repeat a phrase over and over again, “Daddy, daddy, daddy!  Come see this.  Come see this.  Come see this.”  It can be a new ballet twirl to Sophia getting a boo-boo.  It can be highly annoying, but it is often a good of getting my attention.

When a phrase is repeated over and over again in Scripture it a clue that is is immensely significance.  It is calling for your attention.

Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus makes many I AM statements. There are eight specific statements that John writes about.

  1. “I AM” [John 8:58].  Jesus makes a statement about his identity.  He makes a direction correlation with himself and the covenant God [Exodus 3:13-14].  It is a statement of his the deity.
  2. “I am the Bread of Life” [John 6:35].  This statement is a metaphor directly connected to the miracle of feeding the crowds.
  3. “I am the Light of the world” [John 8:12].  This statement is a metaphor directly connected to the miracle of healing the blind man.
  4. “I am the Door” [John 10:9].  This statement is a metaphor directly connected to the parable, in which Jesus is the Door that the sheep must enter.
  5. “I am the Good Shepherd” [John 10:10].  This endearing statement is a metaphor directly connected to the parable, in which Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd that lays His life down for His sheep.
  6. “I am the Resurrection and the Life” [John 11:25].  This statement is a metaphor directly connected to the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead.
  7. “I am the Way the Truth and the Life” [John 14:6].  This statement is a metaphor directly connected to Jesus claim of equality with the Father and way to the Father.
  8. “I am the True Vine” [John 15:1].  This statement is a metaphor directly connected to the parable of Jesus being the source of all spiritual fruit.

Each metaphor is jam-packed with theology.  Each “I Am” statement of Jesus’ is incredibly vivid and practical for the salvation and Christian living.  They are useful for counseling believers or aid as stepping-stones to help unbelievers cross the river of unbelief.

An “I am” statement that came alive to me this week was “I am the Bread of Life.”  I met an Syrian refugee living in Chad, Africa.  He was alone.  No family except a niece who he was caring for indefinitely because her parents are missing.  They were hungry and desperate.  I was near a large religious center in the throngs of Ramadan, a time when alms giving is at its peak, but still these Syrians were without.

I am the bread

I had very little to give and very little to say.   Frankly, I wish I was more prepared and more to give.  In the moment, I was able help meet a physical need, but like Jesus I wanted to meet a greater need.    John 6:35 came alive and I pray he will nourish this Syrian family inside out.  He can.  And he’s capable.

Jesus provides.  Without him we are hopeless and hungry.  Without him we are gospel-starved and faith-famished.

The real miracle wasn’t Jesus transforming a little boys lunch to feed thousands of people, but that he gives a glimpse that he is the Life that can transform the world.

That should arrest your attention today too!  And that’s just what Jesus’ I AM statements are meant to do.

Jesus as the Bookends of John’s Gospel

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Bookends hold upright and support a row of books from end to end.  Often times bookends are solid and sure.  John’s Gospel has literary bookends that hold upright the content of his writing.

John begins his Gospel with this intended purpose: Jesus Christ has always been and He will always be.  The Creator God is Jesus Christ.  In contrast to the other gospels, John begins from eternity past by saying, “In the beginning was the WORD and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” [John 1:1]

John concludes the gospel with this intended purpose: Jesus is and will always be human’s means for eternal life. The gospel of John is through and through a call to believe that Jesus is who He says He is.  For John says, “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” [John 20:31]

All the content in-between the bookends of John 1:1 and 20:31 is proof that what John says about Jesus, the Son of God, is truth.  There is no other source of writing in the Scripture that so clearly and effectively declares Jesus Christ as God than the Gospel of John.  From beginning to end John helps us see the Jesus is God.

 

More on this in the weeks to come.