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Most people focus on the part of this verse that promises us we won't perish. Although it's certainly a wonderful promise, it is not the focus of this verse. The primary purpose of Jesus' coming to this earth was not forgiveness of sins, but to give us eternal life.
Sin separated us from God so Jesus dealt with sin. However, His payment for sin was just a step toward His ultiimate purpose of reconciling man to God. If someone believes that Jesus died for their sins but doesn't go on to enter into the close fellowship with God that Jesus made available, then they are missing eternal life.
Eternal life is not a length of life, but rather a quality of life. Eternal life is intimacy with the Father and Jesus (Jn....
The Greek word translated "master" here actually means, "an instructor, doctor, teacher". Nicodemus was a very educated man in religious matters, yet he didn't have the slightest idea what Jesus was talking about.
Nicodemus' relationship with God had all been academic. He knew a lot about God, but he didn't know God personally. Jesus had a union with God that was unique and Nicodemus was intrigued. God was Jesus' father. This was foreign to Nicodemus.
Jesus had not been educated by man and yet He knew God in a way that the theologians and seminary graduates of His day didn't. He shocked Nicodemus when He told him that the only way to truly know God was through an experience of becoming born again.
The number one thing that sets Christianity apart...
WHEN WE CLOSE THESE EYES FOR THE LAST TIME HERE ON EARTH, WE WILL OPEN OUR NEW ONES IN HEAVEN. ARE YOU PACKED AND READY TO GO. THE BIBLE SAYS IN
1ST CORINTHIANS 9 "But as it is written , Eye hath not seen , nor ear heard , neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."
SINCE SO MANY PEOPLE ARE DOWN WITH THE FLU, IT IS A GOOD TIME TO TALK ABOUT HEALING AGAIN. I JUST WANT TO ASK ONE QUESTION, DID YOU KNOW THAT GOD WANTS YOU HEALED? THERE IS NOT ONE PLACE IN THE BIBLE WHERE JESUS REFUSED TO HEAL SOMEONE AND HE SAID HE ONLY DID THE WILL OF HIS FATHER. (JOHN 5:30 "I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.")
This was the first time Jesus had ministered in Jerusalem. Multitudes believed on Him when they saw the miracles He performed (v. 23). This looked like a perfect opportunity for Jesus to take these people and use them to spread the news far and wide that He was the Christ. Instead Jesus did just the opposite. He didn't want people proclaiming His gospel in their own ability.
This reveals an attitude of Jesus which is lacking among many Christians today. Jesus is more concerned with the quality of ministry than the quantity of ministry. In contrast, today's Christians often feel that "the end justifies the means."
We take new converts and place them in leadership--which is directly opposed to the Bible's instructions (1 Tim. 3:6). Many times movie stars or other famous people...
Jesus brought the message of "love your enemies" to the world and demonstrated it in such a way that some people have forgotten instances like this when Jesus showed anger. Anger can also be a godly emotion.
Ephesians 4:26, tells us to "be angry and sin not". This means there is a righteous type of anger which is not sin. This is why we are told to hate evil (Ps. 45:7; 119:104, 163; Pro. 8:13; Rom. 12:9).
Ephesians 4:26, goes on to say, "Let not the sun go down upon your wrath". That doesn't mean that it's alright to be angry during daylight as long as we repent by nightfall. Rather, it is speaking of this righteous type of anger. We are never to let it rest. Don't ever put...
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Wow, we made through Jan and now here comes the FEB 2018 Chart with a little...