READ: John 3 (Focus1-6; 9; 14-16; 36)
MEMORY VERSE
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life.” John 3:36
BACKGROUND
Belle wanted nothing to do with her parents’ faith in Jesus. In college, she proclaimed herself an agnostic and sought to live without God. But a breakup with her boyfriend and growing depression sent her on a downward spiral. She thought of ending her life.
In those depths of despair, she thought of her parents’ joy in Christ and, despite her struggles, eventually trusted Jesus as Savior. Later, she heard a man speak about a people group in China who’d never heard the gospel.
She wanted to go there to tell them, but some people discouraged her because of the danger. She went anyway.
Together with a young man she met in college and whom she later married, Belle spent the rest of her life taking the gospel to people in China and Thailand. Thousands of people trusted Jesus, and the legacy of this woman, Isobel Kuhn, lives on in those lands.
Who gave a young woman a new life and hope and walked with her as she dealt with difficult life challenges? Jesus.
Are you wondering what life is about? Perhaps questioning your existence? Turn to Christ—“God’s one and only son” (John 3:18) who died for you (Romans 5:8). He loves you enough to provide life that lasts forever (John 3:16).
Yes, “whoever believes in [Jesus] the Son has eternal life” (3:36). And when we believe in Him, as Belle did, He will be with us as we face life’s challenges and help us extend His love to others.
Dave Branon
INSIGHT
Nicodemus genuinely didn’t understand Jesus’ challenge that only those who were “born again” could see the kingdom of God (John 3:3).
The language of rebirth, though it might be familiar to us today, was strange to the Pharisee, and his follow-up questions highlight his confusion (v. 4).
With great patience, Christ unpacks His meaning for Nicodemus, culminating in verse 16, one of the most dearly loved verses in the Bible. The impact on him is inescapable. He advocated for Jesus to receive a fair hearing (7:50-51) and helped prepare Him for burial (19:39-41).
Nicodemus’ fledgling faith in Christ prompted his love for the Savior and challenges us to also extend His love to others.
Jed Ostoich
APPLICATION*
How does God provide purpose for your life? What does it mean for you to find hope in Christ?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“…when we believe in Him…He will be with us as we face life’s challenges and help us extend His love to others.
PR’s TAKE
“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” John 10:10
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
PRAYER
“Dear Jesus, thank You for the purpose and plans You have for me!”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“AND NOW O FATHER, MINDFUL OF THE LOVE”
And now, O Father, mindful of the love
That bought us, once for all, on Calvary’s tree,
And having with us him that pleads above,
We here present, we here spread forth to Thee
That only offering perfect in Thine eyes,
The one true, pure, immortal sacrifice.
Look, Father, look on His anointed face,
And only look on us as found in Him;
Look not on our misusings of Thy grace,
Our prayer so languid, and our faith so dim:
For lo, between our sins and their reward
We set the Passion of thy Son our Lord.
And then for those, our dearest and our best,
By this prevailing presence we appeal:
O fold them closer to Thy mercy’s breast,
O do Thine utmost for their souls’ true weal;
From tainting mischief keep them white and clear,
And crown Thy gifts with strength to persevere.
And so we come: O draw us to Thy feet,
Most patient Saviour, who canst love us still;
And by this food, so aweful and so sweet,
Deliver us from every touch of ill:
In Thine own service make us glad and free,
And grant us never more to part with Thee.
