Jesus and the prophet

Posted on November 7, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

jesuschristJohn 3:22-36.  The prophet John (the Baptist) understood his place in God’s plan for his generation.  He was the forerunner to the Messiah – the friend of the Bridegroom who rejoicerd to hear his voice.  Now it was time for the friend to fall into the background and allow the spotlight to rest upon the Bridegroom himself.

The other John (who wrote this Gospel) explains it this way: the prophet bears witness to what he has seen and heard. That witness points his followers to Jesus.  But Jesus came from heaven.  He also bears witness to what he has seen and heard – in heaven.  Only those who believe in the Son will have eternal life.

LORD, make us Christo-centric.  May our joy be in Christ, and our hope in his destiny.  May we decrease, so that he may increase.

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Jesus and the teacher

Posted on November 6, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

jesuschristJohn 3:1-21.  Jesus called Nicodemus “the teacher of Israel” (19).  That title reflected back on what Nicodemus had called him – a teacher come from God (2).

At that point in his life, Nicodemus could be called a success. He probably felt that he had as good a chance as anyone of getting on God’s good side – and earning his salvation.

Jesus pops that balloon very quickly. He said “unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of heaven.”  That day the teacher learned another lesson.  He discovered that God does not save those who do their best, but he does save those who choose his best: his only Son.  Even “good” people like Nicodemus  need to run to the Savior.

LORD, forgive us for thinking that you save us for doing our best. We welcome your new birth from your Holy Spirit.

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Jesus–a lasting impression

Posted on November 5, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

jesuschristJohn 2.   Three times in this chapter John points out that Jesus leaves a lasting impression on his disciples:

  1. They saw him turn water into wine at Cana and believed in him (11).
  2. They saw him overturn the money tables in his Father’s temple, and remembered what the Bible had predicted about him (17).
  3. They heard him predict that he would raise up a destroyed temple after three days – they would remember that at his resurrection (22)_.

LORD, may we never forget the impact that Jesus has had on our lives.  May we remember him  in all that we do.

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Jesus: what people said

Posted on November 4, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

jesuschristJohn 1:19-51.   You cannot always trust what people are saying about someone, but sometimes you can.  Listen to what people are saying about Jesus in today’s text. He is…

  1. the Lord (23).
  2. the Lamb of God (29).
  3. someone younger, but greater, because he existed first (30).
  4. he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit (33).
  5. the Son of God (34).
  6. Rabbi (teacher) (38).
  7. the Messiah (41).
  8. the one the Bible predicted (45).
  9. the king of Israel (49).

LORD, help us to encounter this great person, and lead others to him.

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Jesus: the only One

Posted on November 3, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

jesuschristJohn 1:1-18.  John describes Jesus as so unique that there is no one else like him in the universe. He is…

  1. The Word, the only one who was with God in the beginning (1).
  2. The Light, the only one whose light has shined in darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it (4).
  3. The only Son of the Father, who shares the Father’s glory (14).
  4. The only God who is at the Father’s side, and who has made him known (18).

In John’s Gospel we will see the uniqueness of Jesus.  We will see why he alone deserves our worship and obedience.

LORD, show us yourself as we read this book.  Make us aware of who you are.

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after faith: body life

Posted on November 2, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

072LR Produce HarvestJames 5:13-20.   James shows that faith in Christ is more than a personal conviction.  It leads to body life.  Genuine faith in a community means that the whole body of believers:

  1. prays for one another (14).
  2. confesses to one another (16).
  3. restores one another (19-20).

Willingness to be part of a church and contribute one’s time, spiritual gifts, and financial resources are indicators of a genuine faith.  Lack of such willingness may indicate the competition mentality that James warns against in this letter.

LORD, make us followers of you, and obedient to all of your commands – even the reciprocal commands – where you teach us to love one another, pray for one another, and care for one another.

Posted in church, confession, discipleship, genuineness, giving, prayer, reconciliation | Tagged | 1 Comment

after faith: no rat race

Posted on November 1, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

072LR Produce HarvestJames 4:11-5:12.   James is warning his churches not to try to get ahead in the rat race by…

  1. speaking evil against one another (4:11).
  2. boasting in arrogance (4:16).
  3. laying up treasure by defrauding their workers (5:1-6).
  4. swearing falsely for gain (5:12).

Instead, he encourages believers to demonstrate their faith in the Lord, who is compassionate and merciful, and who will reward and vindicate them when he comes.  He calls for them to imitate the prophets and be steadfast.  Like Job, if they suffer, they should do so in faith, trusting in God to bring about justice.

LORD, make us steadfast – looking to you to make things right.

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after faith: humble yourselves

Posted on October 31, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

072LR Produce HarvestJames 4:1-10.    The same apostle who advised us to count it all joy when we face trials now tells us to “be wretched and mourn and weep” – to humblle ourselves “before the Lord and he will exalt” us.  Remember that the churches had developed a thirst for fame and honor.  Many wanted to be teachers because they wanted the world to respect them.  James warns that their pride was taking them down the wrong path.  Instead of seeking fame and prominence, the believers should be submitting to those already gifted and assigned to leadership.  The goal of the Christian faith is not for all of the converts to become just like their teachers.  Those who dare to teach should be few, and those who humbly support them should be many.

LORD, change us – not so that we can become famous for you, but so that you can live your life through us – whatever that life turn out to be.

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after faith: no wisdom wars

Posted on October 30, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

072LR Produce HarvestJames 3:13-18.    James had warned the churches not to produce too many teachers.  It seems that the churches were in danger of wisdom wars – where teachers would compete with each other for the loyalty of the other believers.  James says that they need to avoid that kind of wisdom, and seek a wisdom from above.  God’s wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere (17).  The last thing a truly wise person would want to do is to win a following by usurping someone else’s authority.  True wisdom is meek.  It shows itself by good works and kindness.

LORD, give us the wisdom from above. May we produce a harvest of good works to commend our words to others.

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after faith: a disciplined tongue

Posted on October 29, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

072LR Produce HarvestJames 3:1-12.  James had encouraged the churches to prove their faith by their works.  Many people were ambitious and wanted to be teachers like James.  He warned them that with such authority came much responsibility.  The tongue could do much harm.  It is a small thing, but like a rudder on a ship, it has much power.  Like a small flame, it can destroy the whole forest.  So James encourages believers to discipline their tongues.  On a corporate level, this meant having fewer teachers.  On a personal level, it means saying less and doing more.  The more the world sees the faith walk – the more it will be willing to listen to the faith talk.

LORD, discipline our tongues so that when we proclaim your gospel, people will trust it as the truth.

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