John Chapter 3

[Debra R]

I thought we could continue on with chapter 3. :)

:cool: We'll start out with verses 1 and 2......


(NKJ) John 3:1) There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews;

2) This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him."


Nicodemus was not a common and ordinary man, but a man of high standing, of dignity and figure; and who was of the sect of the Pharisees, which was the strictest sect for religion and holiness, among the Jews.

a ruler of the Jews;
not a civil magistrate; for the civil government was now in the hands of the Romans; but an ecclesiastical ruler; he was a member of the sanhedrim, which consisted of the doctors, or wise men, and priests, Levites, and elders of the people.

This man came to Jesus by night...
he may have come by night from fear of the Jews, not wanting to be seen. But such was his desire after seeing the miracles of Jesus I imagine he took the first opportunity he could to meet with Him.

Rabbi..
It comes from a word, which signifies great and large; and was used by the Jews, to suggest the large compass, and great plenty of knowledge they would be thought to have had; and best becomes and suits with our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

we know that You are a teacher come from God;
the Jews expected the Messiah as a teacher, which they might learn from many prophecies, such as ...

Isaiah 2:2) Now it shall come to pass in the latter days That the mountain of the LORD's house Shall be established on the top of the mountains, And shall be exalted above the hills; And all nations shall flow to it.

3) Many people shall come and say, "Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths." For out of Zion shall go forth the law, And the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

Isaiah 48:17) Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go.

Isaiah 61:1) "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;

for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him:

Nicodemus acknowledges that it was not possible for Jesus to do the miracles that He had done unless God was with indeed with Him. They knew Jesus had to be at the least, a Prophet, an extraordinary teacher, whom God had sent among them.

John 6:14) Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, "This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world."

John 7:31) And many of the people believed in Him, and said, "When the Christ comes, will He do more signs than these which this Man has done?"

The Jews were expecting miracles to be wrought by the Messiah and many believed in Jesus on this account. They saw and concluded that the miracles of Christ could not have been done by "man" without the presence and power of God and so they believed that Jesus was with God, and God with Him, and that He was the true Immanuel, who is, "God with us".

Be blessed
in Christ's love,
Debra

[Momof5]

I have read that Nicodemus may have been a part of the group sent to investigate John the Baptist. John 1:24 & 25: Now those who were sent were from the Pharisees. And they asked him, saying, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?"

Verse 2 could indicate that Nicodemus came by night because his faith was weak. John 12:42 & 43: Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

I believe that Nicodemus was a true believer but he was afraid of what his peers would think and say. How many times has that same thing happened to us? I am certain there have been many times I did not stand up when I should have. We also see later on that Nicodemus' faith grew.

[Debra R]

Momof5....I have read that Nicodemus may have been a part of the group sent to investigate John the Baptist. John 1:24 & 25: Now those who were sent were from the Pharisees. And they asked him, saying, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?"

More than likely He was part of that group and had witnessed the first of the signs that Jesus did.

It still amazes me that there were those who saw the things that Jesus did and still refused to believe. And here we are not having seen Jesus in the flesh and yet He has taught us to believe. I just thought of this verse, John 20:29) Jesus said to him, "Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

The Lord Jesus says we are blessed because we have not seen and yet we believe. That gives me joy :).

Verse 2 could indicate that Nicodemus came by night because his faith was weak. John 12:42 & 43: Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

Yes, I believe that is true, his faith was still yet weak and he was afraid of being put out of the synagogue. Thank you for that scripture :hug:.
I remembered this where Nicodemus helped prepare the Lord Jesus' body for burial.
John 19: 38 ) After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus.
39)And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds.




I believe that Nicodemus was a true believer but he was afraid of what his peers would think and say. How many times has that same thing happened to us? I am certain there have been many times I did not stand up when I should have. We also see later on that Nicodemus' faith grew.


I can think back to times when I should have stood up for my faith and I didn't. I feel as if I am stronger in my faith now and every chance I get, I talk about our Lord. And I want to have God's praises more than mans, for His praise means more than anything in this world.

Thank you Momof5 :hug:,
God bless you dear sister.

In Christ's love,
Debra

[Debra R]

I think it will be good to go through chapter three slowly. There is so much in this chapter, I think it will be good for us to go through a few verses at a time. I will post the next few verses and we can think upon them and do a little digging :).


John 3:3) Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

4) Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?"

5) Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.


Have a blessed day!
In Christ's love,
Debra

[Momof5]

Yes, Debra, I agree that we need to take these verses slowly. I was halfway through a post on these verses earlier and, as usual in my house :lol: , I was interrupted and completely could not concentrate. I will try to get it all together - it may take a couple of days, I don't get on the computer much on the weekends.

This is my favorite chapter in the entire Bible, if such a thing is possible, so there is SO much in this.

I hope others will join us in this study, but I thank you for bringing it :hug:

[Debra R]

Yes, Debra, I agree that we need to take these verses slowly. I was halfway through a post on these verses earlier and, as usual in my house :lol: , I was interrupted and completely could not concentrate. I will try to get it all together - it may take a couple of days, I don't get on the computer much on the weekends.

This is my favorite chapter in the entire Bible, if such a thing is possible, so there is SO much in this.

I hope others will join us in this study, but I thank you for bringing it :hug:

Oh, I know. It is hard to get quiet time with no interruptions :B.
I hope others will join us also. I know I need help on this too :saint:.

A few thoughts this morning :)....



[John 3:3 NkJV] Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

4] Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?"


5] Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.



Jesus was saying that unless one is born again that by no way by no other means will they see the kingdom of God. Look at what He said in Matthew.....


[Matthew 5:20] For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds [the] [righteousness] of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

The scribes and Pharisees considered themselves to be righteous. Look at Paul in Philippians....

[Philippians 3:5] circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, [of] the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee;

6] concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

According to the law Paul was blameless. So I assume Nicodemus also considered himself righteous and blameless.
But what was Jesus telling him? His righteousness was not good enough. He must be born again.



[Matthew 18:3] and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

To see the kingdom of God, one must be born again. Not by our good deeds. Even if we should be able to go out and feed all the homeless, give to all those in need, these would not be works good enough to see the kingdom of God. Even if we had never wronged anyone, did all the good deeds we could do, it would not be enough. We must be born again. And being born again is not anything of ourselves. It is from God. In Titus we read....


[Titus 3:5] not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

The Lord tells us in Ezekiel.....

[Ezekiel 36:27] I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do [them].


We are born of God, renewed by the Spirit of God. His Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we have new life, that we have been reborn into the kingdom of God. He opens our spiritual eyes, revealing things that we couldn't see or comprehend before. The Spirit of God also bears witness with our spirit that we are indeed the children of God.

Gotta go now.
Have a blessed day :hug:.
In Christ's love,
Debra

[Momof5]

Wonderful thoughts and Scripture! I love how Scripture always confirms Scripture.

John 3:3) Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

You referenced Titus 3:5 which I was going to do also. Without our spiritual birth, we cannot know or be taught spiritual things:

1 Corinthians 2:9 & 10: But as it is written: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.

4) Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?"

Even though Nicodemus was a teacher (John 3:10), he allowed Jesus to teach him. Nicodemus' question sounds almost like our question, "what must I do to be saved?"

5) Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

This verse is a hard one. There are so many interpretations. Water is a symbol of the Word of God. Ephesians 5:26: that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, Water and Spirit are the work of God from above. Isaiah 44:3: For I will pour water on him who is thirsty and floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendents, and My blessing on your offspring. I love that Jesus fulfilled this! Ezekiel 37:9, 10: Also He said to me, "Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, "Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live." So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army. So breath and winds are also translated Spirit. When I was spiritually reborn, I was no longer dead - I had been washed by the water of the Word and through my faith in Jesus Christ, I was given life with the Holy Spirit teaching me! That is so awesome!

[Son_kissed]

Thanks, Debra, for presenting this study. :hug: I've been enjoying reading through it.

John 3:3) Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

There are a couple of fascinating things (I think) about these verses which I don’t generally see brought up, but which have really helped illuminate my understanding of it.

When birth is given consideration that it’s from the mother’s side the verb used is to “bear.” When speaking of birth from the father’s side, the verb is “beget.” The author uses the verb “beget,” indicating our need to be sired, again, from the Heavenly Father this time.

Also the word “again” in Greek is anothen, with a double meaning- 1.) again; 2.) from above. It’s also important to note that people can’t decide for themselves when they will be born. So while we might assume that our decision for Christ, resulting in new birth, is a result of our own action, I believe this demonstrates that the One “from above” is the primary player in our new birth (the result of Him acting first.)

4) Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?"

Rebirth was nothing new to the Jewish faith, and Jews considered those from the outside, converting to the Jewish faith, “reborn,” so I find it interesting that Nicodemus asks Jesus this question.

As a Pharisee and likely a member of the Sanhedrin, Nicodemus would have thought himself to be the one of the “best of the best“ in God’s eyes. He probably followed the Law of the Torah carefully, and achieved high religious stature in the community. Then Jesus tells him he must be born anoathen- again- from above, to see the kingdom of God. This robs Nicodemus of the initiative and places it squarely in God’s hands.

Again, nobody has control over his or her own birth. We all find it difficult to deal with losing control, especially when we’ve been working so hard and then learn that it still isn’t enough. It’s not so surprising that he chooses to hear Jesus' words as having to do with physical rather than spiritual rebirth. I wonder how often we, at times, have chosen to misunderstand scripture.


5) Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

Jesus' reference to water and Spirit has its roots in Ezek. 36:25-27, where God promises to sprinkle the people with water to make them clean and to put a new spirit—God's spirit—within them. In the flesh we make judgments based on what is sensed, but birth in the spirit leads us to a different way of seeing and understanding.

Neatly tying it all together, water and spirit also have strong baptismal overtones. In baptism we die and are resurrected-- born again, from above. And at our "baptism into Christ" we also receive the Spirit (Rom 6:1-11; Acts 2:38).

Thanks for allowing me to share.

Love in Christ,

Son_kissed

[Son_kissed]

Wonderful thoughts and Scripture! I love how Scripture always confirms Scripture. !
Oops, we must have been posting at the same time, or I would have responded to this, too. I agree, it's awesome how scripture often confirms scripture, which also helps us acheive a correct understanding. God would not have us to be confused about what He wants to tell us.

Also, I liked reading this:

So breath and winds are also translated Spirit. When I was spiritually reborn, I was no longer dead - I had been washed by the water of the Word and through my faith in Jesus Christ, I was given life with the Holy Spirit teaching me! That is so awesome!
Amen!

Love ya,

Son_kissed

[Momof5]

[QUOTE=Son_kissed]When birth is given consideration that it’s from the mother’s side the verb used is to “bear.” When speaking of birth from the father’s side, the verb is “beget.” The author uses the verb “beget,” indicating our need to be sired, again, from the Heavenly Father this time.[/color]

Also the word “again” in Greek is anothen, with a double meaning- 1.) again; 2.) from above. It’s also important to note that people can’t decide for themselves when they will be born. So while we might assume that our decision for Christ, resulting in new birth, is a result of our own action, I believe this demonstrates that the One “from above” is the primary player in our new birth (the result of Him acting first.)

4) Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?"

Rebirth was nothing new to the Jewish faith, and Jews considered those from the outside, converting to the Jewish faith, “reborn,” so I find it interesting that Nicodemus asks Jesus this question.

As a Pharisee and likely a member of the Sanhedrin, Nicodemus would have thought himself to be the one of the “best of the best“ in God’s eyes. He probably followed the Law of the Torah carefully, and achieved high religious stature in the community. Then Jesus tells him he must be born anoathen- again- from above, to see the kingdom of God. This robs Nicodemus of the initiative and places it squarely in God’s hands.

Again, nobody has control over his or her own birth. We all find it difficult to deal with losing control, especially when we’ve been working so hard and then learn that it still isn’t enough. It’s not so surprising that he chooses to hear Jesus' words as having to do with physical rather than spiritual rebirth. I wonder how often we, at times, have chosen to misunderstand scripture.

5) Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

Jesus' reference to water and Spirit has its roots in Ezek. 36:25-27, where God promises to sprinkle the people with water to make them clean and to put a new spirit—God's spirit—within them. In the flesh we make judgments based on what is sensed, but birth in the spirit leads us to a different way of seeing and understanding. ]/QUOTE]

I'm not well versed on word translations from Greek & Hebrew, so I am learning immensely. Thank you for helping me learn :hug:

[Debra R]

Awesome, Momof5 and Son_kissed, :hug:
thank you both so much for your wonderful thoughts and insights and scripture.



Momof5...This verse is a hard one. There are so many interpretations. Water is a symbol of the Word of God. Ephesians 5:26: that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, Water and Spirit are the work of God from above. Isaiah 44:3: For I will pour water on him who is thirsty and floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendents, and My blessing on your offspring. I love that Jesus fulfilled this! Ezekiel 37:9, 10: Also He said to me, "Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, "Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live." So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army. So breath and winds are also translated Spirit. When I was spiritually reborn, I was no longer dead - I had been washed by the water of the Word and through my faith in Jesus Christ, I was given life with the Holy Spirit teaching me! That is so awesome!

That is wonderful thank you :).



Son_kissed...When birth is given consideration that it’s from the mother’s side the verb used is to “bear.” When speaking of birth from the father’s side, the verb is “beget.” The author uses the verb “beget,” indicating our need to be sired, again, from the Heavenly Father this time.

Also the word “again” in Greek is anothen, with a double meaning- 1.) again; 2.) from above. It’s also important to note that people can’t decide for themselves when they will be born. So while we might assume that our decision for Christ, resulting in new birth, is a result of our own action, I believe this demonstrates that the One “from above” is the primary player in our new birth (the result of Him acting first.)

Jesus' reference to water and Spirit has its roots in Ezek. 36:25-27, where God promises to sprinkle the people with water to make them clean and to put a new spirit—God's spirit—within them. In the flesh we make judgments based on what is sensed, but birth in the spirit leads us to a different way of seeing and understanding.

Neatly tying it all together, water and spirit also have strong baptismal overtones. In baptism we die and are resurrected-- born again, from above. And at our "baptism into Christ" we also receive the Spirit (Rom 6:1-11; Acts 2:38).

Thanks for allowing me to share.

Thank you so much for sharing with us. That was wonderful :).

Thinking on our baptism into Christ, I thought of these verses in Colossians...

Colossians 2:11) In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ,

12) buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.

13) And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses,


Thank you both so much for helping me to learn more. Awesome insights.
Well, I better get to sleep, been a long day.

God bless you :hug:.
In Christ's love,
Debra

[Debra R]

Momof5....Water is a symbol of the Word of God. Ephesians 5:26: that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, Water and Spirit are the work of God from above. Isaiah 44:3: For I will pour water on him who is thirsty and floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendents, and My blessing on your offspring. I love that Jesus fulfilled this!


I really like this Momof5. And it reminded me of our Lord Jesus' words......

John 15: 3) You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.


We have believed the words of Jesus and His word has cleansed us just as He promised He would. And given us of His Spirit just as He promised so that we are never alone for Jesus is always with us. Which, this reminded me of Joel.....



Joel 2: 28) "And it shall come to pass afterward
That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your old men shall dream dreams,
Your young men shall see visions.




Son_kissed....John 3:3) Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

There are a couple of fascinating things (I think) about these verses which I don’t generally see brought up, but which have really helped illuminate my understanding of it.

When birth is given consideration that it’s from the mother’s side the verb used is to “bear.” When speaking of birth from the father’s side, the verb is “beget.” The author uses the verb “beget,” indicating our need to be sired, again, from the Heavenly Father this time.

Also the word “again” in Greek is anothen, with a double meaning- 1.) again; 2.) from above. It’s also important to note that people can’t decide for themselves when they will be born. So while we might assume that our decision for Christ, resulting in new birth, is a result of our own action, I believe this demonstrates that the One “from above” is the primary player in our new birth (the result of Him acting first.)



I really like this Son_kissed. Thinking on this, we truly are" begotten of God". We can picture God our Father saying to us: "this day I have begotten thee." We are no longer "of this world". We are new creations. So amazing. We have been spiritually awakened. But thinking on this it makes me sad for those who are spiritually dead.


Okay, I better post the next verses.....



John 3:6) "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7) Do not marvel that I said to you, "You must be born again.'

8) The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit."



Have a blessed day :)
in Christ's love,
Debra

[Momof5]

I am really digging deep! Thank you for making me :) I have read these verses hundreds of time and never really looked at them - completely missed the point in my ignorance! Like the Pharisees who thought the Messiah would come and honor them for their knowledge and works - don't we think that too?

I love that Jesus let Nicodemus know that the Pharisees knew Scripture , but missed the truth! Nicodemus humbled himself by revealing his ignorance and willingness to let Jesus teach him.

John 3:6) "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Flesh can't become spirit- we have to experience a spiritual birth.
1 Corinthians 15:30 - Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. We already studies these verses, John 3:3 - Jesus answered and said unto him, Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God." John 3:5 - Jesus answered, "Most assuredly I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God."

7) Do not marvel that I said to you, "You must be born again.'

Jesus was speaking not only to Nicodemus but to the group Nicodemus was part of, the Sanhedrin, and speaking to us as well!

8) The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit."

Wind also means spirit. We are the work of God which defies explanation: Eccl. 11:5 - As you do not know what is the way of the wind or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child, so you do not know the works of God who makes everything. God created me physically and I was born; He created me spiritually and I was born again!!!

Jesus was teaching Nicodemus and Nicodemus recognized who He is. When I recognized who Jesus is, I recognized my need for Him and became humble. I called on His Name, admitted my sin and that is when I experienced spiritual rebirth! How awesome is that?!?

[Son_kissed]

<<I really like this Son_kissed. Thinking on this, we truly are" begotten of God". We can picture God our Father saying to us: "this day I have begotten thee.">>

That is so wonderful! I hadn't even related those words He spoke to Jesus to our new birth. Paul clarifies this idea for us in Romans 8:9-17, too, and that as children of God, we are also joint heirs of Jesus, suffering and being glorified with him, as well:

Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (But, if we do, we are His!)

10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.

13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

17 Ane if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

What a privilege!

<<We are no longer "of this world". We are new creations. So amazing. We have been spiritually awakened. But thinking on this it makes me sad for those who are spiritually dead.>>

Me, too. We want so much for them to share in the love the Father has for all of us, and to obtain the joy and peace we have in the knowledge of his love. It's hard to think there are those who will never know our heavenly Father, and it should compel us continually toward being a good witness of His Love and grace.

<<John 3:6) "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
I'm reminded again of the above verses in Romans 8: 10-13. Some say Paul preached a "different" Gospel than that which Jesus proclaimed, but the harmony cannot be ignored.

<<7) Do not marvel that I said to you, "You must be born again.'>>

Paul also tells us in 1 Corinthians 2:11 that "...the things of God knoweth no man, but the spirit of God.

<<8) The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.">>

I'm reminded of Psalms 135:6,7: Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he... he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries.

And, again, of Romans 8:14 above,"For as many as are led by the spirit, they are sons Of God."

Wow. He brought us forth and led us to become His begotten children. He's had His eye on us, bidding us come to Him, all the while. He makes us feel very special to Him, though we may have no idea why. I will rejoice in the knowledge of His love!

[Son_kissed]

Hi Momof5,

Lot's of good insight, MO5. Thank you!

Like the Pharisees who thought the Messiah would come and honor them for their knowledge and works - don't we think that too? :blush: Who me??

I love that Jesus let Nicodemus know that the Pharisees knew Scripture , but missed the truth! Nicodemus humbled himself by revealing his ignorance and willingness to let Jesus teach him.That is such a good point! If we think we know everything already, then we have become unteachable and the Holy Spirit will never be able to show us anything new.

Jesus was teaching Nicodemus and Nicodemus recognized who He is. When I recognized who Jesus is, I recognized my need for Him and became humble. I called on His Name, admitted my sin and that is when I experienced spiritual rebirth! How awesome is that?!?That is too awesome! (And notice the simplicity. How come we tend to make it sound like it's all so complicated?)

[Momof5]

I'm reminded of Psalms 135:6,7: Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he... he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries.[/color]
[color=navy]And, again, of Romans 8:14 above,"For as many as are led by the spirit, they are sons Of God."Wow. He brought us forth and led us to become His begotten children. He's had His eye on us, bidding us come to Him, all the while. He makes us feel very special to Him, though we may have no idea why. I will rejoice in the knowledge of His love!

I love this. This is love that I am just beginning to comprehend the magnitude of. Thank you, Son kissed, for showing me scripture and sharing your insights and thoughts :hug:

[Debra R]

Wow! Awesome stuff! Thank you both so much :hug:.

This is a great study! :pp
I have also been praying for us. And you both must have been praying too. Our Lord is letting us see some wonderful things. May He continue to bless us.


I am really digging deep!

I am still digging. And now I am tired :(.
You both have given me so much to think about. And I want to do some more digging. I was reading more scripture reference earlier and now I have too many thoughts going on, my brain is going in a hundred different directions. Maybe I need sleep :D, it has been a long day.



Jesus was teaching Nicodemus and Nicodemus recognized who He is. When I recognized who Jesus is, I recognized my need for Him and became humble. I called on His Name, admitted my sin and that is when I experienced spiritual rebirth! How awesome is that?!?

Incredibly awesome! And so did I, call on His name, admitted my sin, and I experienced spiritual rebirth!
How awesome is our God :pp. Whom we can now call " God our Father". Our "beloved Father", who loves us so much.

Wow. He brought us forth and led us to become His begotten children. He's had His eye on us, bidding us come to Him, all the while. He makes us feel very special to Him, though we may have no idea why. I will rejoice in the knowledge of His love!


So amazing how much God our Father loves us. All the things He has done for us. He does make us feel so very special to Him. And it is because we are very special to God. We are His very own prized possessions.
Let us all rejoice in the knowledge of the love of our God.

Love you, my beloved sisters in Christ, I am so thankful for you :hug: :hug:.

Debra

[Debra R]

I thought I would go ahead and post the next few verses and when we think of something more or find more we can go back. It might take us a while to go through this chapter but it will be worth it :).



John 3:9) Nicodemus answered and said to Him, "How can these things be?"

10) Jesus answered and said to him, "Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things?

11) Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness.







God bless :hug:.

Debra

[Momof5]

OK, where do we start? :D Some of the references are going to get ahead of where we are, but they need to be addressed. I have been praying about this study and how it is touching me deeply.

John 3:9) Nicodemus answered and said to Him, "How can these things be?"

This is where Nicodemus, the teacher, humbled himself and revealed his ignorance and allowed Jesus to teach him. Jesus answers his question in verses 14 (the Cross) and 15 (faith). John 3:14 - And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up. John 3:15 - That whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.

10) Jesus answered and said to him, "Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things?

Jesus rebuked Nicodemus for being a teacher of Scripture and not knowing about spiritual birth. Isaiah 44:3 - For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, and my blessing on your offspring. Ezekiel 36: 26, 27 - I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and you will keep My judgments and do them. God said in Ezekiel that He would restore people spiritually by giving us a new heart and new spirit, which enables us to follow Him and do His will.

11) Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness.

Jesus referred to the legal requirement of two witnesses. The Father and Son bore testimony of Jesus' words and works by the miracles that could only be of God. John 3:32 - And what He has seen and heard, that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony. John 8:14: Jesus answered and said to them, "Even if I bear witness of Myself, My witness is true, for I know where I come from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from and where I am going." Matthew 11: 27 - All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.
Jesus was rebuking all the Pharisees, not just Nicodemus (us, as well, IMO). I believe he was revealing His deity to Nicodemus, as well. John 6:44 - No one can come to me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:45 - It is written in the prophets, And they shall all be taught by God. Therefore, everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me.

I thank God that when I was seeking Him, He found me, loved me, protected me and drew me to Him and taught me (and continues to teach me), that He gave me His Spirit and a new heart. Praise God!

[kayte]

Momof5 - I thank God that when I was seeking Him, He found me, loved me, protected me and drew me to Him and taught me (and continues to teach me), that He gave me His Spirit and a new heart. Praise God!
Amen Momof5! :hug:

[Debra R]

That was excellent Momof5 :hug:.

Momof5>OK, where do we start? :D Some of the references are going to get ahead of where we are, but they need to be addressed.
You are right and I should have posted through verse 15 at least :D.




John 3:9) Nicodemus answered and said to Him, "How can these things be?"


This is great.


This is where Nicodemus, the teacher, humbled himself and revealed his ignorance and allowed Jesus to teach him. Jesus answers his question in verses 14 (the Cross) and 15 (faith).
John 3:14 - And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up.


John 3:15 - That whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.


Beautiful verse is 15 and such a simple statement Jesus made "That whoever believes in Him"

All is required is that you believe in Jesus. And like Sun_kissed said, Do we tend to make it sound like it's all so complicated?

10) Jesus answered and said to him, "Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things?

Jesus rebuked Nicodemus for being a teacher of Scripture and not knowing about spiritual birth. Isaiah 44:3 - For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, and my blessing on your offspring. Ezekiel 36: 26, 27 - I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and you will keep My judgments and do them. God said in Ezekiel that He would restore people spiritually by giving us a new heart and new spirit, which enables us to follow Him and do His will.

God knows that mankind is not able on his own to follow God and do His will. Reading in the old testament we see how they continuously wandered away from God, broke the commandments and forgot God. Many times He grieved over them and was grieved that He had even made man. But the wonders of His awesome love, He had a plan. By our rebirth, by God putting His Spirit within us we are able to follow God and do God's will.

11) Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness.

Jesus referred to the legal requirement of two witnesses. The Father and Son bore testimony of Jesus' words and works by the miracles that could only be of God. John 3:32 - And what He has seen and heard, that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony. John 8:14: Jesus answered and said to them, "Even if I bear witness of Myself, My witness is true, for I know where I come from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from and where I am going." Matthew 11: 27 - All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.
Jesus was rebuking all the Pharisees, not just Nicodemus (us, as well, IMO). I believe he was revealing His deity to Nicodemus, as well. John 6:44 - No one can come to me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.

John 6:45 - It is written in the prophets, And they shall all be taught by God. Therefore, everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me.

Amen. That was excellent :).

And another awesome scripture......


John 6:45 - "It is written in the prophets, And they shall all be taught by God. Therefore, everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me.

And in Isaiah and Jeremiah we read.....

Isaiah 54:13) All your children shall be taught by the LORD,
And great shall be the peace of your children.

Jeremiah 31:34) No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, "Know the LORD,' for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more."



I thank God that when I was seeking Him, He found me, loved me, protected me and drew me to Him and taught me (and continues to teach me), that He gave me His Spirit and a new heart. Praise God!


Amen! Our God is so awesome. I am so thankful for His love.

Thank you Momof5 :hug:.

[Debra R]

John 3:12-15; I am saving verse 16 by itself. That has to be one of our most favorite verses and the one that most everyone knows or has heard :).

John 3:12) If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?

How was Nicodemus to believe the "heavenly" things that Jesus was speaking?
We know that natural man cannot receive, "understand", the things of God. They must be spiritual discerned.

(1 Corinthians 2:14 ) But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.

(1 Corinthians 2:11) For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.

(1 Corinthians 2:12 ) Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.


That is why you must be born again. You must have the Spirit of God to know the things of God.



13)No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.

(Proverbs 30:4) Who has ascended into heaven, or descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has bound the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What [is] His name, and what [is] His Son's name, If you know?

Who has ever gone up into heaven without first coming down from heaven? That must be Jesus :).



14)And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up,

(Numbers 21:9) So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived.

It was very simple. God told them to look at the bronze serpent and they would live.
And as well with Jesus. Very simple. Look to Jesus and live.


(John 12:32) And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all [peoples] to Myself."

And so here, Jesus was implying how He would die, lifted up on the cross, and that it was necessary for Him to be lifted up that He would draw peoples to Himself that they may live and not die.



15)that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.

(John 20:31) 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.


(1 John 5:11) And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.

(1 John 5:12) He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

(1 John 5:13) These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may [continue to] believe in the name of the Son of God.



So simple. Believe in the Son of God, Christ Jesus, that you may live and not perish.


Be blessed :hug:
in Christ's love,
Debra

[Momof5]

[QUOTE=Debra So simple. Believe in the Son of God, Christ Jesus, that you may live and not perish[/QUOTE]

We have made it hard, haven't we? Thank you, Debra for these verses. And such insight! :hug: I will try to work on more tomorrow, I can't think at night :lol:

[Momof5]

I keep messing up the quotes :blush: Sorry!

Debra, you did such a wonderful job on these verses - I only have one thing to add that I just love:

15)that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.

Shortly before Jesus was crucified He prayed to the Father and a portion of this prayer gives such an explanation to me. I learn simply and this is simply put: John 17: 2,3 - as You have given Him authority over all flesh that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.

How wonderful that I only have to believe! By the work of Jesus on the cross, I only have to believe and He gives me eternal life. And that I have eternity to grow in knowledge of God.

[Debra R]

I keep messing up the quotes :blush: Sorry!

Debra, you did such a wonderful job on these verses - I only have one thing to add that I just love:

15)that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.

Shortly before Jesus was crucified He prayed to the Father and a portion of this prayer gives such an explanation to me. I learn simply and this is simply put: John 17: 2,3 - as You have given Him authority over all flesh that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.

How wonderful that I only have to believe! By the work of Jesus on the cross, I only have to believe and He gives me eternal life. And that I have eternity to grow in knowledge of God.
Thank you Momof5 :hug:,
I am just now getting the hang of using the quotes :D.
You are doing a great job.
Thank you so much :hug:.
You are a great blessing to me.

[Debra R]

(John 3:16 NKJV) "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

We have all read this verse hundreds of times, heard it hundreds of times. It is a verse most commonly shared when telling others of God's love. And it tells us how much God loves us. And tells us how He displayed that love in that "He gave His only begotten Son", that "whoever believes in Him" "should not perish" but have "everlasting", "eternal" "life".


I was thinking I would like to look at this verse a little more and look up the definitions and meanings of the words in this verse and see what all we can find. I have to leave for work soon so I am just going to post some questions and the words I would like to find the deeper meanings of :).



"For God so loved" I want to expound on the word "loved'.



"the world" What does it mean by the world?



"only begotten Son" What does begotten mean? Explain "Son".


"whoever" Just "who" does "whoever" include?

"believes" What are the definitions for this word?


"perish" What does that mean?

"everlasting life" ?


I have to go now or I am going to be late for work :D.
Have a very blessed day.
In Christ's love,
Debra

[Momof5]

OK, here goes.......The dictionary definitions gave me a lot of food for thought :) .

"For God so loved" I want to expound on the word "loved'.

Love/loved: A strong tender affection, deep devotion, as to one's child; to take pleasure or delight in

"the world" What does it mean by the world?

Everyone; all of creation.

"only begotten Son" What does begotten mean? Explain "Son".

Begotten is a form of "beget" which is procreate; be the father of; to cause to be.

Son - A male child; any male descendent; heir.

"whoever" Just "who" does "whoever" include?

Me, you, every person

"believes" What are the definitions for this word?

To accept as true or real; to accept the word of someone; to accept the truth of something; to have confidence in

"perish" What does that mean?

To die, especially a violet death or untimely death; to be destroyed

"everlasting life" ?

Everlasting - lasting forever; no end
Life - any conscious and intelligent existence


This was the first verse I learned as a young child and I learned it like this:

"For God so loved Brenda that He gave His only begotten Son, that Brenda believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life"

Again, so simple that a child knows what it is and knows it is true!

[Debra R]

Terrific Momof5 :pp, thank you!



I found this in the Vines dictionary........



LOVE...."Agape and agapao are used in the NT (a) to describe the attitude of God toward His Son, Joh. 17:26; the human race, generally, Joh. 3:16; Ro. 5:8; and to such as believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, particularly, Joh. 14:21; (b) to convey His will to His children concerning their attitude one toward another, Joh. 13:34, and toward all men, 1Th. 3:12; 1Co. 16:14; 2Pe. 1:7; (c) to express the essential nature of God, 1Jo. 4:8. "Love can be known only from the actions it prompts. God's love is seen in the gift of His Son, 1Jo. 4:9,10.



I love this scripture in John 17, and I think if we could comprehend more the love the Father has for the Son then we could comprehend more the love the Father and the Son has for us. Because I wonder do we fully understand what love means? Or rather, how much love God has for us.

John 17:23) I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.


26) And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them."




Thank you Brenda :hug:, for this.. Momof5....This was the first verse I learned as a young child and I learned it like this:

"For God so loved Brenda that He gave His only begotten Son, that Brenda believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life"

I remember as a child in vacation bible school being told of God's love. But in remembering growing up and searching for God, going to different churches, I don't remember hearing much on God's love. Hearing more of His wrath than on how much He loves us.

I am still wondering do we, or the church, make it difficult for the lost to come to Jesus.

Jesus said to come as a little child. A few months ago my sister-in-law had told me about my nephew (who is 11) that after church one Sunday he was very adamant about wanting to be saved. They had a meeting with the Pastor and were told he was not ready. This has really bothered me. So I have just been wondering, does the "church" at times make it difficult for the lost to come to Jesus?

A few more things I found in "Vines"....


monogenes

Is used five times, all in the writings of the Apostle Joh. , of Christ as the Son of God; it is translated "only begotten" in Heb. 11:17 of the relationship of Isaac to Abraham. With reference to Christ, the phrase "the only begotten from the Father," Joh. 1:14, RV (see also the marg.), indicates that as the Son of God He was the sole representative of the Being and character of the One who sent Him.

We can only rightly understand the term "the only begotten" when used of the Son, in the sense of unoriginated relationship. "The begetting is not an event of time, however remote, but a fact irrespective of time.

The Christ did not become, but necessarily and eternally is the Son. He, a Person, possesses every attribute of pure Godhood. This necessitates eternity, absolute being; in this respect He is not 'after' the Father" (Moule).

The expression also suggests the thought of the deepest affection, as in the case of the OT word yachid, variously rendered, "only one," Ge. 22:2,12; "only son," Jer. 6:26; Am. 8:10; Zec. 12:10; "only beloved," Pr. 4:3, and "darling," Ps. . 22:20; 35:17. In Joh. 1:18

the clause "the only begotten son, which is in the bosom of the Father," expresses both His eternal union with the Father in the Godhead and the ineffable intimacy and love between them, the Son sharing all the Father's counsels and enjoying all His affections.

the Son of God, in His eternal relationship with the Father, is not so entitled because He at any time began to derive His being from the Father (in which case He could not be co-eternal with the Father), but because He is and ever has been the expression of what the Father is; cp. Joh. 14:9, 'he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father.' The words of Heb. 1:3, 'Who being the effulgence of His (God's) glory, and the very image of His (God's) substance' are a definition of what is meant by 'Son of God.'



Just a few thoughts this morning. I have to go now.

Thank you Brenda :hug:.



Have a very blessed day :)

in Christ's love,

Debra

[Momof5]

Yes, Debra, I believe we (the church) make it difficult sometimes for the lost to come to Jesus. I learned this verse in its simplicity as a young child and somewhere in the past 40 years I lost the simplicity. I even had concerns a few months ago when I taught Vacation Bible School about 4 children who came to Jesus. I forgot how hard we make it!

I don't have anything to add to this verse. You really covered it indepth!

Thank you again, so much for bringing this study :hug: :hug:

[Debra R]

Momof5-"For God so loved Brenda that He gave His only begotten Son, that Brenda believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life"

Again, so simple that a child knows what it is and knows it is true!

Amen!


Momof5- Yes, Debra, I believe we (the church) make it difficult sometimes for the lost to come to Jesus. I learned this verse in its simplicity as a young child and somewhere in the past 40 years I lost the simplicity.

I praise our Lord that He has given the simplicity back to us! And we can share the simplicity of salvation with those who are discouraged and need to know how much God loves them.

For "whoever"> calls upon the name of the Lord Jesus > shall be saved. :pp


Momof5- I even had concerns a few months ago when I taught Vacation Bible School about 4 children who came to Jesus. I forgot how hard we make it!


That is awesome news of the four precious children who came to Jesus! :pp Praise the Lord!




Thank you Momof5, God bless you :hug:.


The next verses :) :) :) ........


John 3:17) For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

18) "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19) And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

20) For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.

21) But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God."

[Momof5]

I am getting so slow in my old age :lol: This took me 2 hours! (in between marathon laundry, dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and poopie diapers of my grandson and the little girl I babysit :( ) Such is my life and I am so content!


John 3:17)For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

Jesus came so the world, through Him, might be saved. When He comes again, He will come in judgement of those who refused to believe. Luke 9:56 - For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them.

18) "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

To believe is to receive life and avoid judgement. To not believe means missing life and being condemned already. John 1:12 - But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name. When I received Jesus, it meant I welcomed him. I believed in His Name (what His Name stands for: that Jesus is the Word, the Life, the Light, the Christ, the Son of God!) John 20: 30-31 - And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, 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. Galatians 3:26 - For you are all sons of God through faith in Jesus Christ. God adopted me into His family when I became a believer. As a mother of adopted children, it really hits me that He became my Father!

19) And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

The condemnation is the reason for judgement. Jesus is the Light of the World. John 8:12 - Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying "I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life. Jesus is the spiritual light of the world. He exposes sin and gives sight!

20) For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.

Ephesians 5:11 - And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.

21) But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God."

1 John 1:5 - This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all

God is holy and has no evil or sin, so we must live a pure life .


I know there is much, much more in this that I am not seeing!

[Cilla]

:blush: Can I skip backwards a moment?

This is what kbow posted a long time ago and I wanted to share:-

For
God so loved the world, that He gave His
Only begotten
Son that whosoever would believe on Him should not
Perish but have
Everlasting
Life... John 3:16

There is the gospel for you. This is the Heavenly Father's love for all...
Sorry,..........carry on........;) :pp

[Momof5]

Cilla, I love that. John 3:16 is the gospel in a nutshell, isn't it? :hug:

[Debra R]

Momof5- I am getting so slow in my old age :lol: This took me 2 hours! (in between marathon laundry, dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and poopie diapers of my grandson and the little girl I babysit :( ) Such is my life and I am so content!


Great job Momof5 :pp, we shall call you marathon housewife and mom and marathon bible teacher! Kind of like superwoman :D! And who says you are old?
We are not old, we are matured and wise. Hey, I like the sound of that>matured and wise :D.

Thank you Cilla :hug:, Thank you Kbow :hug:. I just thought of something, haven't seen Kbow in awhile. Miss him.

God so loved the world, that He gave His
Only begotten
Son that whosoever would believe on Him should not
Perish but have
Everlasting
Life... John 3:16

I love that, it is great!


I was so tired yesterday evening, we had a rough Monday at work. Looks like it is going to be a rough week, we are swamped. We need help! Oh, I almost forgot, we can do all things through Christ! No problem!

Okay, for this morning there were some thoughts come to mind as I read verse 17 and your thoughts Momof5 on that verse and the scripture reference.




John 3:17)For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

Momof5>Jesus came so the world, through Him, might be saved. When He comes again, He will come in judgement of those who refused to believe.

Your words brought to mind these verses...

Hebrews 9:27) And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,
28) so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.



This is a great scripture reference, thank you Momof5> Luke 9:56 - For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them.

Wonder why people think that Jesus came to destroy men's lives? That is the impression you get from some people when you talk to them, or why else do they reject Him?

Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. He didn't come to condemn them.
Jesus didn't condemn people when He talked to them. He told them about the kingdom. About the Father.
He showed them the way they must be saved.

Those were just a few things I was thinking this morning, I have to go. I will do more this evening :pray:.
Thank you Momof5, you are such a blessing :hug:.


Have a wonderful day!
Be blessed
in Christ's love,
Debra

[Momof5]

Wonder why people think that Jesus came to destroy men's lives? That is the impression you get from some people when you talk to them, or why else do they reject Him?

Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. He didn't come to condemn them.
Jesus didn't condemn people when He talked to them. He told them about the kingdom. About the Father.
He showed them the way they must be saved.

Those were just a few things I was thinking this morning, I have to go. I will do more this evening :pray:.

My opinion is that people reject Jesus because they want to! His free gift is there right in front of us, yet some reject Jesus because they feel that their lives will be destroyed. They don't want to let go of ego, pride & self. If they only knew.......

Jesus tells us the truth and many times people don't want to hear the truth - they want God to conform to their ideas and believe there are many ways to get to heaven even though Jesus clearly shows us the way we must be saved!

[Debra R]

Just a few things to add :).

John 3:17)For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.


[John 3:34] For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure.

[John 7:29] *But I know Him, for I am from Him, and He sent Me."


Jesus told us He came from God. Jesus knew God. He came that "we" may know God. Isn't that awesome, that God made it possible for us to know Him? That He desired for us to Know Him. That He desires for us to have eternal life with Him. And that is why Jesus came.

Momof5 you posted this verse in John 17 earlier, this is a great verse, and very simple, eternal life is that we may "know" God the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom He has sent.



[John 17:3] And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.





John 3:19) And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.



Momof5- The condemnation is the reason for judgement. Jesus is the Light of the World. John 8:12 - Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying "I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life. Jesus is the spiritual light of the world. He exposes sin and gives sight!

What a wonderful day when He took away my blindness and gave me sight.

I like this in John 12 also....



[John 12:46] I have come [as] a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.

From the time we believed the words of Jesus He became our light and guides us. He has promised we will not walk in darkness.
He daily lights our path.


John 3:20) For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.

We know there are those who seem to enjoy the darkness. They would rather live in darkness and practice evil than come to the light of Jesus.




John 3:21) But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God."



[1 John 1:6] If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.

If we are walking in darkness and not practicing the truth our deeds will be made known that we are not walking with Jesus.
If you are walking in the light it is God who will make it known that your deeds are from Him.



Be blessed
in Christ's love,
Debra

[Momof5]

Wonderful thoughts and insight, Debra. Thank you for teaching me these things :hug:

I am going to go ahead and post the next verses, knowing we can always go back when we need to. I use the NKJV.

John 3: 22) After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He remained with them and baptized.

23) Now John was also baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized.

24) For John had not yet been thrown into prison.



Verse 22 sounds like Jesus was baptizing, but in John 4:2, we are shown that Jesus provided the authority and His disciples baptized. John 4:2 - (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples).


I have some more and will post later.

[Debra R]

Thank you Momof5 :hug:,
sorry I haven't been able to reply sooner.




Momof5- Verse 22 sounds like Jesus was baptizing, but in John 4:2, we are shown that Jesus provided the authority and His disciples baptized. John 4:2 - (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples).

Very interesting. It does seem to say that Jesus baptized.

John 3: 22) After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He remained with them and baptized.

Thinking on this I looked up Baptized in the Blue Letter Bible and this is what I found, it is very interesting.



baptizo {bap-tid'-zo}
The clearest example that shows the meaning of baptizo is a text from the Greek poet and physician Nicander, who lived about 200 B.C. It is a recipe for making pickles and is helpful because it uses both words.

Nicander says that in order to make a pickle, the vegetable should first be 'dipped' (bapto) into boiling water and then 'baptised' (baptizo) in the vinegar solution.

Both verbs concern the immersing of vegetables in a solution. But the first is temporary. The second, the act of baptising the vegetable, produces a permanent change.

When used in the New Testament, this word more often refers to our union and identification with Christ than to our water baptism. e.g. Mark 16:16. 'He that believes and is baptised shall be saved'.

Christ is saying that mere intellectual assent is not enough. There must be a union with him, a real change, like the vegetable to the pickle! Bible Study Magazine, James Montgomery Boice, May 1989.

This was in Matthew Henry's Commentary.....

John began to baptize in the land of Judea (Mt. 3:1), therefore Christ began there, for John had said, There comes one after me.

He himself baptized not, with his own hand, but his disciples by his orders and directions, as appears, ch. 4:2. But his disciples’ baptizing was his baptizing. Holy ordinances are Christ’s, though administered by weak men.

Now that makes sense that even though it was Jesus' disciples who baptized it was done by Jesus' Authority and considered done by Jesus.

More later.
Have a blessed day :hug:
in Christ's love,
Debra

[Momof5]

Wonderful, Debra! I love the permanent change analogy of when the pickle is immersed in the vinegar!

A couple other things.......

23) Now John was also baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized.

John's purpose was to prepare the way for Jesus. Malachi 3:1: Behold I send My messenger and he will prepare the way before Me and the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple. Even the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight. Behold, He is coming says the Lord of hosts. I read an interesting note on this: The Lord (the Father) will send a messenger (John the Baptist) to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord (Jesus). This prophecy was made 400 years before Jesus was born, yet Behold, He is coming sounds so imminent! I need to remember that God's time is not the same as mine, so I have to say, Behold, He is coming!!

24) For John had not yet been thrown into prison.

I always had the idea that John the Baptist was put in prison right after he baptized Jesus. This verse says otherwise - that Jesus and John were ministering at the same time.

[Debra R]

Momof5-I love the permanent change analogy of when the pickle is immersed in the vinegar!



I liked that too! :)

Mmof5-John's purpose was to prepare the way for Jesus. Malachi 3:1: Behold I send My messenger and he will prepare the way before Me and the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple. Even the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight. Behold, He is coming says the Lord of hosts. I read an interesting note on this: The Lord (the Father) will send a messenger (John the Baptist) to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord (Jesus). This prophecy was made 400 years before Jesus was born, yet Behold, He is coming sounds so imminent! I need to remember that God's time is not the same as mine, so I have to say, Behold, He is coming!!


That is so awesome all the prophecies concerning Jesus.

Behold, He is coming!!

Malachi 3:1; also references to Isaiah 63. I love the book of Isaiah. It is one of my most favorite books of the Old Testament. To me it is so awesome, I see the power of God there, His promises, His love, His mercy, His plan for our Redemption. In Isaiah I see Jesus :).


Isaiah 63:8) For He said, "Surely they are My people,
Children who will not lie."
So He became their Savior.
9) In all their affliction He was afflicted,
And the Angel of His Presence saved them;
In His love and in His pity He redeemed them;
And He bore them and carried them
All the days of old.

Continuing on.......


John 3:25)Then there arose a dispute between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purification.

As I read this I thought on purification. This verse is referenced to.....

John 2:6) Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece.

Thinking on the Jews view of purification; I copied this from the NAS Bible because in the NKJ it says "unless they wash", here it says "unless they cleanse themselves", To me it helped me to see that they considered these "rituals" or "man made doctrines" to be a form of cleansing.......


(This from NAS Bible.....Mark 7:3) (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they carefully wash their hands, thus observing the traditions of the elders;
4) and when they come from the market place, they do not eat unless they cleanse themselves; and there are many other things which they have received in order to observe, such as the washing of cups and pitchers and copper pots.)

They had all these man made doctrines to follow. And in none of them could they be purified. For only in and through Jesus can we be cleansed and purified. For God in Jesus has become our Savior. In Him we have purification. It is not possible that we can purify or cleanse ourselves. It is God who does the cleansing. This brings to mind...

Ephesians 5:26) that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,

Titus 2:14) who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

The Lord Jesus gave Himself for us and cleansed and purified us and now we are His very own special people. How awesome to be God's very own special people.

Thought I would post the next verses, and like you said we can always go back if we find things to add to those already posted. I want to say again that any who would like to join us in this study are welcomed :).




(NKJV) John 3:26)And they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified--behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!"

27)John answered and said, "A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.

28)You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, "I am not the Christ,' but, "I have been sent before Him.'

29)He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.

Have a blessed day :hug:
in Christ's love,
Debra

[Momof5]

Sorry it has taken me so long! Weekend, you know? I have my grandson today, so he will probably wake up mid-post and derail my train of thought (it doesn't take much to do that :lol: )

(NKJV) John 3:26)And they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified--behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!"

John the Baptist's disciples were worried that John was losing his audience to Jesus. Early in our study of John, we learned about John the Baptist's purpose. John 1:6-8 - There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe.

27)John answered and said, "A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.

John the Baptist explained that he could not accept the position his disciples wanted to give him because he had not received it from Heaven.


28)You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, "I am not the Christ,' but, "I have been sent before Him.'

John reminded them that he told them before that he was not the Christ, but was sent before Him. Malachi 3:1: Behold I send My messenger and he will prepare the way before Me and the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple. Even the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight. Behold, He is coming says the Lord of hosts. John told the priest and Levites sent by the Pharisees that he was not the Christ nor the Prophet. John 1: 22,23 - The they said to him, "who are you that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself? He said "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness to make straight the way of the Lord, as the prophet Isaiah said."

29)He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.

John told his disciples that he was like the friend of the bridegroom to make the preparations for the wedding and preside at the wedding feast, then when he finished his job, he had to get out of the way. John the Baptist was content and satisfied that his work was done.

[Debra R]

Thank you Momof5 :),
thank you for sharing your thoughts and insights, for sharing what our Lord is teaching you. Thank you for sharing your time :hug:. God bless you.

I have been busy. We are finally moving from this apartment to a house. Praise the Lord! He made it possible. In fact, the Lord led us to the house. I am so happy! :) :) :)


I only have a few things to add to these verses.

John 3:27) John answered and said, "A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.


Everything we have is given to us from God our Father.

James 1:17) Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

God does not change.

Malachi 3:6) "For I am the LORD, I do not change;
Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.


John 3:29) He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.

John had joy because he saw Jesus. He was chosen and called to prepare the way for the coming of Jesus.
John did what God called him to do. And he was rewarded with seeing the One whom God told him would come. He saw the fulfillment of God's promise for a redeemer, Jesus, our Savior.

And we can have joy in seeing Jesus. Our joy is in knowing Jesus. Jesus gives us joy :).

John 15:11) "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.


FULL implies the presence or inclusion of everything that is wanted or required by something or that can be held, contained, or attained by it.

COMPLETE applies when all that is needed is present.

Jesus is all that is needed. In Him we are made complete.


Be blessed
in Christ's love,
Debra

[Momof5]

In Jesus we are made complete!!! I love that!

I was finally able to get on the internet! Our service provider has been down all day :( It was my intention to post the next verses this morning but now I have to wait to see if this service works for awhile this time. Will post them later.

I know you have been busy moving Debra but it is wonderful to me to see God's hand in your getting your new house :hug:

[Momof5]

Debra, I hope you are all moved now and are back online soon!

I will go ahead and post the last verses of Chapter 3.

30) He must increase, but I must decrease.

31) He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all.

32) And what He has seen and heard, that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony.

33) He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true.

34) For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure.

35) The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand.

36) He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.

John the Baptist was still speaking to his disciples about Jesus and that Jesus had to increase in popularity because of who He is, what He teaches, and His authority. John told his disciples that he had to decrease in popularity, basically because of what he said in verse 29 that his work of preparing the way was done.

[Momof5]

30) He must increase, but I must decrease.

I had to go back on this verse. It was on my mind and heart all day yesterday, last night and this morning. It is all about Him, not about me. I must die to self daily and follow Jesus. He must increase, but I must decrease.

I praise God for this study!

[Debra R]

I am finally back on line! :pp

We got everything moved and I am currently putting things in order. I still have a lot to unpack and put away but things are going great. And it is great to be back on line :).


Momof5-I praise God for this study!

I praise our God too. I thank our Lord for giving us His word and enabling us to know Him more.

I am just going to add to these verses...



John 3:35) The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand.

This verse is referenced to these verses.....

John 5:20) For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel.

Just as the Father is, so is the Son.

John 5:19) Then Jesus answered and said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.

And just as the Father does, so does the Son.

John 10:30) I and My Father are one."




John 17:2) as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him.



John 3: 36) He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."

These verses came to mind....



2 Thessalonians 1:7) and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels,

8) in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

9) These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,

Those who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, will have the wrath of God poured out upon them. And they will miss being in the presence of our Lord and seeing the glory of His power.

They will deeply regret that they have rejected the Lord Jesus Christ.




30) He must increase, but I must decrease.

I had to go back on this verse. It was on my mind and heart all day yesterday, last night and this morning. It is all about Him, not about me. I must die to self daily and follow Jesus. He must increase, but I must decrease.

I praise God for this study!
Yes it is, all about Him. Not about us. The more we give to Jesus of ourselves, the more we are transformed into His image. And that is a wonderful thing to be, made in the image of Jesus.

Thank you Momof5 :hug:. God bless you.

In Christ's love,
Debra

[Momof5]

I am happy that you are getting settled in your new home, Debra! Thank you for taking your time for this study :hug: Will you be starting Chapter 4? :)

[Cilla]

Yes, she will! :D Or at least, one of you will. :hug:

[Debra R]

Yes, she will! :D Or at least, one of you will. :hug:
:) Yes we will, continue this study in John.

How did you know we would continue Cilla? :spin:

Once you get started reading and studying God's word you can't stop :).

Give us a couple days and we will begin the next chapter :).

[Momof5]

I will start the next chapter and Debra and I have agreed to alternate posting scripture. Will begin probably Monday...