authenticity: abiding in Him

Posted on December 4, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Authentic-Christianity.0131 John 2:18-3:3.    Some time in the first century, there was apparently an exodus from the Church.  A number of people who were thought to be Christians left, and started their own groups.  Then they sought to convince those who stayed to leave as well.  John called these people antichrists.  He chose a word that connoted an appropriate sense of fear and repulsion.  He wanted to remind the believers how serious it is to defect from the body of Christ.  He wanted to encourage those who claimed to be Christians to stay with (abide in) Him.

LORD, we want to stay with you.

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authenticity: mutual appreciation

Posted on December 3, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Authentic-Christianity.0131 John 2:7-17.   Real Christians rejoice in the differences they have with others.  There is no competition among the children, the young men, and the fathers.  There is mutual appreciation and love among the brothers and sisters. 

LORD, help us to love one another, and express our authenticity in a world filled with the unreal, which is passing away.

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authenticity: obedience and confession

Posted on December 2, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Authentic-Christianity.0131 John 1:1-2:6.    John had lived and served Jesus for a good long time.  His concern for the churches under his charge was that they had been infiltrated by people whose faith was pretense.  He wanted to remind his readers what real faith in Jesus was.  He begins his letter with two marks of authentic Christianity:

  1. Walking in the Light – AKA obeying the commands of Christ (1:6-7; 2:3-6).
  2. Confessing sins – receiving forgiveness when we fail (1:8-9; 2:1-2).

Christ accomplished our cleansing by the spilling of his own blood on Calvary’s cross.  By obeying his commands, and getting his forgiveness when we do not, we can stay fresh.

LORD, forgive us our sins, and keep us focused on obeying you.  We want that fresh, clean feeling all day.

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Jesus restores

Posted on December 1, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

jesuschristJohn 21.    Rather than end his gospel account with the story of the public ascension of Christ, John chooses to conclude with a discourse between Jesus and Peter.  This disciple – who had denied Jesus three times, is asked if he loves Jesus – three times.  Peter was grieved by the question, but affirmed his love.  Jesus responded with the call to…

  1. take care of his sheep,
  2. follow him.

 

We cannot love Christ while despising or shunning his people.  We cannot love Christ while refusing to obey his commandments.  He can restore us, but it may not be easy for us.

LORD, restore us to the devotion and love for you that you deserve.  Teach us to serve your sheep, and follow your commands.

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Jesus is alive!

Posted on November 30, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

jesuschristJohn 20.  Jesus was raised from the dead and lives today.  The Scripture predicted it, but even those who experienced his resurrection did not understand it (9).  We cannot see him today, because he has gone back to his Father in heaven (17).  Because he represents us in heaven, we can represent him on earth  — offering his forgiveness to those who repent and believe (23).  The gospel gives opportunity to those who dare to believe it to receive a special blessing, imparted to those who believe Jesus even though they cannot see him (29).  We can have life in his name (30).

LORD,  we believe in you.  Help us to reach others with the good news that you are alive.

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memories of Jesus’ death

Posted on November 29, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

jesuschristJohn 19:17-42.   The elements of John’s depiction of the crucifixion show us memories of the event that John could never forget.

  1. He saw a sign that embarrassed his people – written in three languages for all to read and ponder (19-22).
  2. He saw the clothing his master had worn, ripped apart and gambled over by the heartless guards (23-24).
  3. He saw the women weeping, including Jesus’ own mother, and remembered his vow to take care of her (25-27).
  4. He saw a dripping sponge filled with sour wine –the last thing that Jesus was to taste.  He remembered their fellowship meal only hours before (28-30).
  5. He saw them take the body away and place it in a nearby tomb (31-42).  He knew Jesus was dead.

LORD, we did not see the sights that day, but we remember them too.  They remind us of the price that you paid for our deliverance.  Thank you.

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Jesus: both the king and the Son

Posted on November 28, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

jesuschristJohn 18:28-19:16.   The stated reason for Jesus’ arrest, trial and crucifixion was that he had made himself a king, and thus was opposing Caesar (19:12).  But the real reason the Jews were offended at him is that he claimed to be the Son of God (19:7).  In fact, he is both. 

But Christ’s kingdom is not of this world, but the next.  He was no threat to Caesar’s throne, but one day Caesar and everyone else will bow the knee and acknowledge his Lordship.

Jesus was obviously a misunderstood man, but he is more. He is the only hope for humanity – God’s king, and God’s Son.  He is our destiny – all because he went to the cross for us – in our place.

LORD, we choose to submit to your Son as our king.

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Jesus’ provocative questions

Posted on November 27, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

jesuschristJohn 18:1-27.   As the record of Jesus’ long ordeal (called his passion) begins, he challenges us all by the questions that he asks those who arrest and try him:

  1. “Whom do you seek?” (4,7).  Finding Jesus is only part of life’s quest.  Knowing who you have found is the key to spiritual success.
  2. “Shall I not drink the cup?” (11).  Without his atoning death, Jesus’ miracles and teachings would have been meaningless.
  3. “Why do you ask me?” (21).  We, who have heard Jesus’ words, should be adequate witnesses to what he has said.
  4. “Why do you strike me?”  (23).  What Jesus said is right.  If we are offended at it, it is because we are afraid of the truth.  The problem is with us. 

LORD, the trial has begun, and the accused is questioning us.  Help us to face his questions.  May we see ourselves as who we really are.  May we see Jesus as who he really is.

[For more on Jesus’ provocative questions, order Winn Collier’s book, Holy Curiosity].

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how Jesus prayed

Posted on November 26, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

jesuschristJohn 17.    Jesus prayed for himself, that he would glorify his Father as much when he returned to heaven as he had while on earth.

Jesus prayed for his disciples, that they would be sanctified – set apart for and known by – the truth.

Jesus prayed for you and me, that we would be unified and so prove to the world that Jesus was really sent from the Father.

LORD, may we glorify you by being true to your word, and faithful to one another.

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In Jesus, we can have peace

Posted on November 25, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

jesuschristJohn 16:16-33.  In these past few chapters, Jesus has been preparing his disciples – not just for the tribulation they would face at his trial and death, but for the extended period of tribulation, sorrow, weeping and lamenting the Church would face until his glorious second coming.  He warns them not to expect victory always.  But he encourages them with the reality that he has overcome the world.

There will be sickness, pain, sorrow, death, discouragement – all the things associated with Satan’s assumed victory.  But, because Jesus is alive, all these things are temporary.  The permanent victory has already been won by Christ.  In him we can have peace, even amidst the troubles because through him we will have eternal victory.

LORD, give us an eternal perspective when we face the challenges of this world’s tribulation.

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