Jesus Is The Light Of The World!!

The eight chapter of the Gospel of John begins with the story of the woman caught in the act of adultery. Jesus was teaching in the temple during the feast of tabernacle.  The Pharisees brought a woman to Christ who had been caught in adultery to trap Him in His answer. This was their brilliant plan to turn the people against Him. According to law adultery was punishable by death. So testing Jesus they asked "what do you say?" If Jesus let her go, He is guilty of breaking the law.  If He passes judgement, they could blame Him breaking the Roman law. Jesus challenged their conscience by saying "let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her". Then Jesus bent down and wrote on the ground. May be Jesus was writing the ten commandments or the sins of  those who brought the woman before Him. When the  accusers heard this, they all dropped their stones and walked away. The woman left alone before the perfect one and acknowledged Jesus as Lord. Jesus did not condemn her but in His mercy forgave her and said go and sin no more. Following this incident  Jesus made His second I Am statement:" I am the light of the world". He shines as the light in the world of darkness and sin. He who follows Him will not walk in sin but have the light of life.
Sin always brings condemnation but God in His mercy forgives our sins. We often focus on other's sin rather than our own sins. We are quick to find fault and slow to forgive. Unforgiving sins can eat away our conscience.There is plenty of forgiveness with Christ for those who come to Him.

Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of light and truth. He speaks truth and treats the same way He treated the woman.When we turn to Jesus the source of truth, we find no condemnation but grace and forgiveness. Religious leaders questioned Christ and refused to believe His claim. They were unteachable which is the greatest pitfalls in life. No one can question the validity of  Jesus claims because Father bore witness of Him. His resurrection and Ascension  prove that He is the Son of God(Rom1:3). The Word of God testifies of Him(John 5:37-39). His transforming power of life is another evidence of His deity.  Pharisees missed their last chance to turn to Him(8:21,22). Refusing to believe in Christ who died for our sin is the unpardonable sin. Confessing Christ  today is salvation and confessing Him at the white throne judgement seat is damnation(Phil 2: 11).So chose you today whom you will serve?

Only Jesus can give us freedom from sin. Religious heritage will not give us freedom.  The test of true faith and discipleship is abiding in His Word. Abide simple means to stay,obey,or continue in His Word. The closer we
live in obedience, we experience His presence and freedom from sin. Jesus came to bear witness of truth.(John 18:37).Truth is the reality of God.Jesus is the embodiment of truth and grace(John 1:14).Apart from Christ there is no spiritual freedom. He who practice sin is a slave of sin. Jews claimed that Abraham is their Father and they are free.Jesus said"before Abraham existed, I am".He was from eternity and was the great I AM. Also Jesus Said Abraham rejoiced to see My day. Abraham saw in the birth of Isaac the hope of mankind and the promise of the Savior(Gen 12:3). He saw the promise afar off(Heb 11:13). He saw the birth of Messiah in the miraculous birth of Isaac. And Calvary at mount Moriah.. At this point Jews attempted to kill Jesus, but He hid Himself and went out of the temple. Do you know this great Savior who loved us gave Himself for us? May God help us!!.

No one ever spoke like Jesus!!

Jesus understood rejection more than anybody else(John 1:11; 6:66; 7:34). Though He did all things well, only few followed Him. Many hated Him so He stayed in Galilee. In the seventh chapter of John's Gospel, we see the teaching of Jesus about His person. His teaching was remarkably simple. He used common everyday objects to illustrate eternal truth. His teaching was saturated with scripture and very personal. He taught from life's situations. In His teaching Jesus always challenges His listeners  to make a choice about His identity.

In this chapter we see that Jesus brothers did not accept Him. They advised Him to go to Jerusalem to perform mighty works to influence the crowd. There is a mockery in their voice as they advised Jesus. He came to His own and His own received Him not. Jesus said to His brother"My time has not yet come". He had no desire to gain popularity and influence people with His miracle. He did all things according to His Father's direction , timetable and for His glory.  Christians should always follow this example. Jesus told His brothers the same thing he told His mother He had no desire to please anyone but the Father.We should not seek man's approval while serving Christ.

Jesus taught openly at the temple. Those you heard were divided in their opinion of Jesus. Some thought He is   a wonderful man and others said He is a deceiver. Jewish leaders amazed at His teaching and said how does He know so much without formal education.. Because of the fear of expulsion  no one spoke favorably. Jesus told them that to understand His teaching one must have the desire to obey the will of God. This is a time less principle. Understanding is not a requirement for salvation but faith. Faith is not an intellectual issue but a moral issue.Jews found nothing wrong with circumcising on Sabbath yet accused Jesus for healing on Sabbath. Christ said it is illogical and stop judging on the surface. He emphasised that the spirit of the law is more important than the letter of law. They were amazed at his boldness and thought,  may be He is Messiah.  Jewish leaders wanted to arrest Jesus. But they could not arrest Him  because His hour of crucifixion has not yet come.

This chapter concludes with Jesus' claim that He is the source of living water(John 7:37-38). He is the source of everlasting life. Jesus made this statement on the last day feast. Thus He has shown the emptiness of  religious feast that failed to satisfy  people. One who believes in Christ not only be satisfied but also becomes  a channel of blessing to others. Here Jesus was referring to the coming of the Holy Spirit on the disciple after His ascension. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit brings satisfaction and blessings. This  would not happen with casual commitment. Religious leaders wanted Jesus to be arrested. Officers were powerless to arrest Jesus because "No one ever spoke like Jesus"(7:46). Being one of the ruler Nicodemus defended Jesus  and requested a fair hearing. Instead of answering his legitimate request, his fellow rulers ignored him and said search the scripture and see for yourself that no prophet comes from Galilee. Thus they have shown their ignorance of the Scripture, since Jonah and Nahum came from Galilee.Are you ashamed of Jesus? Let us ask ourselves, how committed we are confessing Christ to others.  May God help us!!

Jesus Is The Bread Of Life!!

In John 6:35, Jesus claims the first of nine "I am" statements, "I am the bread of life"Jesus used this term in order to claim His deity In this chapter we see Jesus is feeding five thousand, walking on the water and His teaching on His claim" I am the bread of life". Bread represents life every where.Jesus made this claim to show that He is the only one who can meet our spiritual hunger. Also He  made this claim to prove His deity. This happened at the peak of his popularity across the sea of Galilee. The multitude was impressed by the miracles Jesus performed. He went up to the mountain and saw the multitude. He was moved by compassion and asked Philip how can we feed  this multitude. Jesus asked this to test his faith. Philip counted the cost and thought it is impossible. Andrew brings a lad who has five loaves and two fishes. He gave all he had to Christ. Jesus gave thanks and fed the five thousand. Give all you have to Christ. He can bless it and satisfy many. By giving thanks for food, Christ acknowledge that God is the source of all blessings. Jesus asked disciples to collect the left over and there was twelve basket full of bread.We should not waste God's blessings.

Multitude wanted to make Jesus their king. But He withdrew to a mountain to be alone. His kingdom was not of this world(John 18:16). It is so easy for men to seek Christ for the wrong reason. Jesus asked the disciples to go to the other shore of the sea of Galilee. They were hindered by darkness and severe storm. Some times God would allow storms in our life to test our faith and to teach us to trust Him. If we are in the will of God, He will deliver us from it ,some time through it and some time out of it. Disciples saw Jesus walking on  the sea and coming  near the boat. He said to the frightened disciple"It is I,be not afraid". Thus the  one who met the need of five thousand  now met the need of twelve disciples. Jesus is the present help in times of our need. Some one suggested that there are over 360 time we see the statement "stop being afraid " in the Bible. Immediately  the sea became calm and the  boat was at land. Thus Jesus demonstrated that He has power over gravity and space.

Jesus is the supreme teacher because in Him hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge(col 2:3). Though He did many miracles, teaching was his main ministry. Some one suggested that at least 45 times  Jesus is called the teacher in the gospel account. He seized the opportunities to tech individuals and large crowds. People recognized Jesus as a different kind of teacher from scribes. He taught  with authority(Matt 7:28,29).His words were gracious words(Lk 4:22). Never a man spoke like Him(John 7:46).His teaching transformed lives and shaped the course of history. He gave the commission to His disciples to teach and make disciples. His teaching on the bread of life so profound and note worthy.

When people sought Jesus, He welcomed them and said don't seek me for the food that perishes but for the food that endures to eternal life.That food is Christ Himself. People were confused about what they must do to find acceptance with God. Jesus said "this is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom Father has sent. Jews wanted Jesus to perform a miracle. They did not realize that faith based on miracle  can easily mislead people. Christ identified Himself as the bread of life. Those who believe in Him will be spiritually satisfied. All that Father gives to Christ  will come to Him. Who ever comes to Jesus, He will never cast out. This verse describes God's sovereignty and human responsibility in salvation.To reject Son is to reject the Father.Jews murmured and offended at His teaching. He did not intend for them to eat the flesh and drink the blood. They do not profit anyone.  His Spirit that gives life. The word He spoke were spirit and life.Those who believe His word would have life. But unbelief prevented many to believe His words and they left Jesus and no longer walked with Him. Christ now turned to the twelve  and said"do you also want to go?"Simon Peter answered Him"Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed and come to know that you are Christ, the Son of the living God. Assurance always follows true salvation. Jesus knows His own. He knew that one among the twelve was a devil. He spoke of Judas Iscariot who was going to betray Him. Do you know this Christ who loved you and gave Himself for you.If your are a believer, do you have the assurance of salvation. May God help us!!

Jesus knows your need and willing to help!!

In the fifth chapter of John's Gospel we see the account of Jesus healing a man On Sabbath. He was sick for 38 years. It happened near sheep gate, near a pool. The name of the pool was Bethesda means house of mercy. Jesus singled out this man and asked him"do you want to be healed". Jesus saw his need and willing to help him. Jesus said "get up,take up your bed and walk. He knows the fundamental problem he was facing and able to  save him. Also He gives the power to break him from his past life and grow spiritually. The man took his bed and walked away.His obedience to Christ's Word brought  instant healing in his life. But instead of rejoicing with him Jewish leader were upset because it happened on a Sabbath day.They were more concerned about who told him to carry the bed on Sabbath rather than this poor man was healed. The man did not know who healed him. Later he went to the temple and met Jesus.. Jesus told him since your sins are forgiven he must live in the newness of life. When religions fail to see the need of men Christ is willing and able to meet their needs. He wants that those who are forgiven should live in the newness of life(Phi 2:12).

The Jews in the Jesus' day lived with long list of rules to keep the Sabbath holy. God established Sabbath as a sign of His special  covenant relationship with Israel(Ex 31:12_17).Christ ultimately set us free from the law by fulfilling the law.Christ' said from the cross "it is finished"(John 19:30). Now we serve God because we love Him.Sunday is not Christian Sabbath day but a day of remembrance of Christ' death and resurrection. It is a day of rejoicing and reflection on Christ who loved us gave Himself for us. Father and Son may have rested from creation but now they are at work bringing salvation to lost sinners. This salvation is purely by grace through faith(Eph 2:8,9). Once we decide to earn God's favor by rule keeping including Sabbath rather than surrendering to God's grace, then the whole law applies to us(James 2:10).  Bible says that "by the deeds of the law no flesh be justified  in God's sight(Rom 3:20).

Jesus affirmed His divinity by claiming that He is equal with the Father.  He said "My Father never stops working, so why should I?"(John 5:17).Thus He justified the healing of the sick man on Sabbath day.God is the everlasting Father(Is 9:6).Christ was always the Son of God(John 1:1;17:5). we use the word son to describe that he is born from parents. But for Christ the word Son is used to describe the nature of the Father. Only Christ can say whatever Father does Son also does. He said "I and the Father are one"(John 10:30). Unlike us God is distinctively the Father of Christ. Father was never without Son nor Son without Father. This relationship has no beginning or end. All that Father does Son does. Father does not set apart from the Son the raising of the dead and judgment. Father committed all judgment to Son. Father and Son share the same life. If Son is not God we can never know God(John 1:18).Christ deserves equal honor with the Father. He who believes in Christ  is passed from death to life. It is noteworthy that Christ gives several witnesses to establish the validity of His claims. It is testified  by John the Baptist(33-35), the miracles He did(36), the Father' testimony at baptism (37,38),and the Scripture(39-47). Jews always searched the scripture because they knew that it contained the message of eternal life. They bear witness of Christ. But because of the hardness of their heart they rejected Christ.  They sought praises from men rather than from God. Though they had great respect for Moses they did not accept his testimony about Christ(Deut 18:15-18;  Lk 24:27).May that not happen in our life. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved(Act 16:31).. May God help us!!                 

He Is Indeed The Savior Of The World!!

Jesus Christ once said " the Son of man is come to seek and save that  which was lost"( Lk 19:10). Christ is the master soul winner. In the fourth  chapter of John's Gospel we read about the story of the woman of Samaria and how she got saved. Jesus means Savior, He came to save and not to condemn the world. Unlike Nicodemus  the woman of Samaria was a pagan, ill reputed,despised,and confused  person. She was from a mixed race and Jews had nothing to do with them. Samaritans mixed Jehovah God with heathen gods. Some suggest that they used only the first five books of the Old Testament. Christ decided to go through Samaria. His compassion drove Him to this needy soul. He saw the value of this soul so great and set aside the man made social barrier to go through Samaria. Christ said to her "give me a drink".This surprised her because Jews refused to have any relationship with Samaritans. Jesus offered to her the gift of living water and  said one who drinks the water He gives will never thirst. She failed to understand the spiritual meaning of  living water and who Jesus was. Understanding is never a requirement for salvation but faith in Christ Jesus.

Christ commanded the woman to call her Husband.She was ready for salvation but her heart should be prepared for sowing the seed. There can be no conversion without conviction of sin and repentance. She  admitted her sin and acknowledged that Jesus is a prophet.But she wanted to shift the discussion  from moral sin to religion. She is still confused about Jesus and said when Messiah will come He will tell all things. Jesus replied "I am the Messiah"This filled her with hope and faith. Her understanding increased about Jesus from a Jew. then a prophet and finally to Messiah.To understand Christ's teaching one must have a desire to do His will(John 7:17).She became a witness for Christ and not a
shamed of Jesus.She rushed to the village and told the men of Jesus who told her all things she ever did.  They came to to see Jesus and requested Him to stay with them for two days. Many believed in Him and acknowledged that Jesus is the Savior of the world. Here we see how the testimony of an unnamed woman can impact others. Sharing the personal testimony is one of the effective method of witnessing.Let us not be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

When the disciples returned they saw their Master broke the tradition and speaking to Samaritan woman.
They wanted Him to eat. Christ replied that His meat was to do the will of Father. Jesus reminded them of the urgency of witnessing. Christ was referring to the crowd of Samaritans coming to Him when He said " Lift up your eyes and look on the field, they are ready  for harvest"..In the spiritual harvest one sows and another reaps.Here Christ had planted the seed and disciples were ready to reap. Jesus came to bear witness of the Father and His love for mankind. His followers are entrusted with responsibility of becoming the witness of Jesus(Act 1:8). May God give us a passion for souls and fill us with His power to become effective witnesses for Christ.

In this Chapter we read about true worship. Woman wanted to talk about worship. Samaritans worship in mount Gerizim.  Jews worship in Jerusalem. Jesus said where  we worship is unimportant. God is not indifferent towards the object and the manner of worship. Only God should be worshiped. He desires our worship. The end of witnessing and evangelism is worship of God. The chief occupation of the Church is worship. It is the constant activity on earth and in heaven.Only those who are saved can worship God. They are spiritual made alive, Spirit filled, separated and prepared people of God. worshiping God in Truth and Spirit important. Worship must be sincere, truthful and not in type.Christ the whole truth. New Testament worship is a spiritual worship and not confine to a place like Jerusalem. Believers are the temple of God and we are priest to offer spiritual worship. May our worship be acceptable to God!

We also see in this chapter the healing of Nobleman's son. This happens when Jesus was in Cana. This official came from Capernaum and requested Jesus to heal his son. He thought that Jesus have to come to Capernaum to heal his son. Jesus said to him "go thy way your son lives". The official responded with  faith in the word of Christ and not on the miracles.The man went his way and met his servants with the good news that his son is healed. The healing was instantaneous.Faith means to act upon God's promise.  The result  was that the entire family placed their trust in Christ. This was the second miracle in Cana. Thus Jesus proved that He is the all powerful God. Both miracles produced faith and life among people. May God grant us faith and bring glory to Him by our obedience!

You Must Be Born Again!!

There are two incidents  we see in the third chapter of John's Gospel. The interview with Nicodemus and the last testimony of John the Baptist.In this chapter the doctrine of new birth or regeneration is explained. Nicodemus came to Jesus by night  so that he could  personally meet with Jesus. He was convinced  that Jesus was a teacher who came from God because of the miracles He did. Jesus did not do miracles to prove that He is God but he did perform miracles because He is God.Satan tempted Jesus by saying "if you are the Son of God command that these stones be made bread(Matt 4:3)." Jesus never had any doubt about His identity and had victory over Satan. Let us be aware of this truth. Nicodemus was a pharisees. He was a very religious person. Also he was a member of religious court Sanhedrin.He was also an influential teacher among the Jews who was waiting for the kingdom of God. We also learn that Nicodemus was a wealthy man and advanced in age(John 19:39).Jesus told Nicodemus that he should be born again to enter the kingdom of God. Jesus knew what was in Nicodemus mind(John2:25). Nicodemus did not understand the nature of the kingdom of God or new birth. He asked  how can an old man go back into his mother's womb and be born again? Christ explained to him the contrast between physical birth and spiritual birth. The flesh produces flesh and the Spirit produces Spiritual life. Nicodemus asked, how can these be?The answer is given in John 3:16. Because God so loved us. Bible teaches that understanding in not a prerequisite  for salvation but faith in Christ(Eph 2:8,9).Faith or believing is more than mental agreement(Jam 2:9). Faith is active trust in Christ that He is God and live in obedience to Him. Baptism is not essential for salvation otherwise none of the Old Testament saints including the thief  on the cross could be saved.

Why we must be born again? Because the natural man is spiritually dead. Bible says heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked(Jer 17:9).We are at enmity with God and controlled by Satan.We are created in the image of God. Sin deformed us.We try various methods to  reform us but still searching for answers. Nicodemus  found the answers in Christ Jesus. Bible says only Christ can transform us.

What is regeneration means?  It is the initial act of the Holy Spirit, in response to our faith in Christ,  imparting divine life is us and making us a part of His family.When we get saved God sends His Spirit to take residence in us to guide and radically change us. Thus we become new creation in Christ(2Cor 5:17).It is not a reformation but a recreation. All three Persons of God-head are in our salvation. We are born again because of the mercy of God the Father(1Pet 1:3). Christ gives us eternal life (John 10:28). Holy  Spirit lives in us to guide and empower us(Gal 5:25).To illustrate  regeneration, Christ uses two examples. The wind and the brazen serpent Moses lifted up in the wilderness. The source of the  wind is God. It is invisible. Yet we feel it's effect. Like wise God is the one who provided the brazen serpent. All those who looked to the serpent found deliverance. So regeneration is entirely an act of God. The joy and peace we experience is the result of regeneration. God uses His Word and His Spirit in our new birth. Those who are born again have a new heart .(Ezk 11:19). They become partakers of divine nature(2Pet 1"4).They are indwelt by the Holy Spirit(Rom 8:9).They are the children of God.(1John 3:1). They obey Christ and practice righteousness(1John 2:3,29). They do not practice sin(1John 3:9). They love fellow Christians(1John 3:14;4:7 They know that biblical love is not a feeling but a choice.They acknowledge God as the source of this love. The extend of this love  to all the world. The sacrifice of this love is the giving of His only begotten Son. And the result of this love is that whosoever  believe Christ  shall be saved(John 3:16). God sent His Son, not to condemned the world but to save those who believe His son. Bible says that those who reject Christ are already under judgement(John 3:36).Bible says many people do not believe in Christ because their deeds are evil and their sins will be exposed. This not an intellectual problem but a moral  and spiritual problem.

Lastly in this chapter we read about the last testimony of John the baptist. There was a debate over  the baptism of Jesus  and the baptism of John the baptist. John did not get involved in this discord because he knew his calling. He knew that he was only a forerunner,  sent to bear witness of Jesus Christ.  John rejoiced over Jesus' popularity. His desire was that Jesus must increase  but I must decrease. John acknowledge that Jesus is from heaven and he is from earth. He baptized with water but Jesus with Holy Spirit. Jesus only can give eternal life.Let us not to be ashamed of the Jesus Christ.  Eternal life is sharing the divine life with God and enjoying relationship with Him.Our attitude of faith in Christ should lead to actions of obedience in life. There is no neutrality in this relationship. Either we are with Christ or against Christ. Bible says that those who reject Christ,the wrath of God abides on them. God loves every body  and wants all to be saved(2Pet 3:9). God's wrath is His settled indignation towards sin. May God help us to appreciate His love and mercy towards us,  

Jesus makes the difference!!

In the second chapter of John's Gospel we see two events. The wedding at Cana and the cleansing of the temple.Weddings were community events among Jews. The whole town usually show up for wedding and the celebration lasted many days. Cana  was north of Nazareth. Jesus and disciples were invited to this wedding.  Mary's intervention indicates that she was related to this family. During the celebration they ran out of wine. Wine was a normal drink at that time. It was a public humiliation and disgrace to run out of wine. Wine speaks of joy in the scripture. So Mary spoke to Jesus about the problem because she knew who He was. Christ addressed her as Woman or Lady. It does not show any disrespect. He said my hour is not yet come. He was not operating on His own initiative or Mary's direction but on His father's will and timing. Mary acknowledged this and submitted to the will of the God. She told the servants to do whatever He says. Jesus transformed the six jars of water into finest wine. When they tasted the wine the governor  complimented the bridegroom. By this first miracle Jesus displayed his glory and the disciples believed in Him.

There are some 36 recorded miracles in the Gospel account. Here the symbolism is clear. This world is full of emptiness and sorrow. Only the power of Christ can fill the emptiness and deficiency  in  our lives. Jesus did this to manifest His glory. Many people saw the miracles but only the disciples saw His glory and believed in Him.Miracle always  points to something greater than itself and often followed with a message(John 5:14-24). Many people hear the gospel today but only few believe in Christ. There were many who traveled with Jesus but only few followed Him. Satan had blinded their minds to see the light of the glorious gospel of Christ(2 Cor 4:4).For many professing  Christians Jesus does not mean much. Their worship is a religious ritual and a joyless expression. Being a Christian means to be a follower of Jesus and be loyal to His authority.  They acknowledge Jesus us Savior and Lord. When we follow Jesus then He would make us a  blessing to others and transform our lives of eternal value.Many approve drunkenness based on this passage. But the Bible forbids drunkenness. Drunkenness is condemned in the Old Testament(Pro 23:21). New Testament does not approve drunkenness because it can lead to riotous life style(Rom 13:13).

Secondly John gives the account of cleansing the temple in this chapter.  Temple worship was very important to Jews. Every male Jew required to attend three annual feasts in Jerusalem(Deut 16:16).Passover was one of them. During the feast Jesus found  that the court of the Gentiles in the temple was taken over for marketing and money exchange. Religious leader saw this as a service to worshipers. But Jesus saw this differently. He saw this as an offence to God and gentile worshipers. Jesus cleansed that place because of His zeal for His Father's house. It was the fulfillment of a prophecy(Ps 69:9).Jews were demanding a sign to substantiate His authority for His conduct. Christ said "destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up".Jesus was referring to His death and resurrection. But they failed to understand the spiritual meaning of his statement. Even the disciples failed to understand until Jesus was risen from the dead. From both these events we learn that  Jesus is willing and able to bring joy and cleansing in our lives.

While Jesus was in Jerusalem many believed in His name when they saw the miracles. But Jesus did not trust them because He knew they were not true believers(John 2:23-25). Their interest was primarily in miracles. Even today many people are attracted to a Jesus the powerful miracle worker rather than the Savior of the soul. Seeing is not believing. Conviction does not mean conversion. Only faith in Christ saves us(Rom 10:9).Many traveled with Christ but few followed Him. Christ knows His own.Are you a follower  of Christ or a fellow traveler? If you believe Christ as your Lord and Savior, you shall be saved. Only true disciples would see His glory and believe in His name.(John 11:40) May God help us!!

Be a Faithful Witness.

In the John's Gospel the writer gives the witness of John the Baptist about Jesus Christ."Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world"(John 1:29). John was sent to bear witness of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the light of the world(John 8:12). John testified that Jesus  is the preeminent one, He existed in eternity He is the lamb of God, He is the fullness of God and out of Him we have received grace upon grace or blessings after blessings.. The John gives a sharp contrast between Law and Grace. The Law was given by Moses,The Law reveals man's sinfulness but is powerless to transform us(Gal 3:24).Grace and Truth came through Jesus Christ. Grace is God's undeserving favor to forgive our sins.The truth is that it is possible only through the sacrifice of Christ. God is Spirit and can't be seen by man(1Tim 6:16).But Christ has revealed the heart of God to mankind. God appeared in human form in the Old Testament in the garden of Eden, to Abraham and Jacob. But they were only temporary appearances. Christ is the begotten Son  and  He distinguishes Him from other sons(John 1:12).

 Because of sin, man was isolated  from God and helpless. All through the Old Testament God reminded them that the divine help is coming. In the fullness of time that help came through Christ(Gal 4:4).He took humanity so that He could be with us forever. It was entirely of  grace that Christ came  to save us (Titus 2:11). The sinless  one came to die for the guilty.  As our substitute He took our sin and given us His righteousness. Our best  work was not good enough. It is His righteousness from beginning to end. Whom He declared righteous are not kept on probation now. Our knowledge and zeal wouldn't make us righteous(Rom 10:2).  He came to taste death for us(Heb 2:9).Bible says that  He is able to lead many sons to glory. He also destroyed the power of devil by His death and resurrection..He is able to deliver us from the fear of death. This is  the unbelievable  transaction story. As some one said" the Son of God became Son of man to make us sons of God. By descending to the earth He has prepared us to ascend to heaven. By taking our mortality He has imparted to us His immortality. By experiencing our weaknesses He has strengthened us by His power. By receiving  our poverty He has made us spiritually rich.By taking our sins upon Him He has clothed us with  His righteousness". What a Savior!!

Jesus Christ was testified by many individuals in the first chapter of John's gospel. They include John the Baptist, Andres, Peter, Philip and Nathanael. John testified of Jesus that He is the lamb of God who takes away the Sin of the world(John 1:29,36).Christ is the fulfillment of Old Testament sacrifices. Only Christ can take away the sin of the world. Two of John's disciples followed Jesus. They wanted to know Him personally and to have close fellowship with Him. Andrew told  his brother Simon  that they found the Messiah. Jesus personally called Philip to follow Him.Philip witnessed to Nathanael. Their lives were radically changed and they became witnesses of Christ. They all became their brothers keepers. Their message was come and see the one who saved us. Witnessing is one beggar telling another beggar where he found the bread(2 King 7:3-11).Man was in need of a Lamb that takes away the Sin of the world.That need started with individual, family,nation, and ends with the world.  Jesus met that need on the Cross. That is the good news this world need to hear and we should proclaim.

Why we should witness Christ?  Because He is the Savior of the world and it  was His dying request.(MK 16:15). The plan of salvation includes it(Rom 10:9).The open sacrifice of Christ demands an open witness. The Lord of the harvest expect it(Act 1:8).The day of judgement requires it(Matt 10:32). The examples in the scripture demands it(John 9:25).We can become witnesses of Christ by godly living, by open confession of faith in Christ, including baptism. By our association with believers( Matt 5:16, Act 8:36-38;Rom10:9,10;Heb 10:25). May God help us.  

The WORD was made flesh and we have seen His glory!!

We have seen that Christ came  to lead us out of the darkness of sin into light. He is the light of the world. God has maintained  His presence on the earth so that people could find Him. God has chosen the nation of Israel to be the light to nations.Prophets were the witnesses of that light.The light of the Jewish nation culminated in Jesus Christ. He brings salvation to gentile nations. (Lk 2:32). One of the feature of the Church  is to bring light to nations through the Gospel. Today Christians are the light of the world(Matt 5:14).But God's own creation or the world and in particular the nation of Israel did not recognize Him. In fact they  rejected Christ  But as many as received Him to them God gave the power or authority  to become sons of God(John 1:12).

What is salvation? Salvation means deliverance from sin and it's consequences. Salvation also means conversion. Salvation is not the ABC's of Christian life but the entire experiences of Christian life. In salvation we see God brings to completion what He has begun in regeneration(Phil 1:6).Salvation of man is very precious to God. "For God so loved that world that He gave His only begotten Son , that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life"(John 3:16).

There are three central truths about salvation. Salvation is not by works but by grace(Eph 2:8,9).Grace means  God's special favor to undeserving people. By the deeds of law no one is made righteous. Law describes what pleases God but does not have the power to produce that life.Christ came to fulfill the law  and to deliver us from sin. Salvation is not initiated by us but by God. It is not man reaching out to God but God reaching out to man. When we were utterly helpless and still sinners God saved us(Rom 5:6-8).Also Salvation is not an after thought of God but it was included in the eternal plan of God for mankind. God chose His Son to be a ransom for us long before the world began but now revealed unto us in these last days through the Gospel(1Pet 1:18-20). Gospel  is Christ. Peter gives us a summery statement of the Gospel in 1Peter 3:18.So Salvation is entirely of God, entirely of grace, entirely through faith, and entirely in Christ. God poured out the wrath sinners deserve upon His begotten Son on the cross. He became our substitute and willingly suffered our death on the cross.

Salvation is not by the blood. It is not on the basis of our lineage. Being born from Christian parents would make you a believer. Salvation is not by the flesh. Reformation will not save us. Salvation is not of the will of man. It simply means conformation will not save us. Pharisees were conformed to the law and reformed religious people. But there were not saved. The followers of John the baptist were reformed people but not saved. John the Baptist pointed his disciples to Jesus Christ and said this is the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.. John said you need less of me and more of Him. He knew that only Christ can bring about the radical change in their lives.John could baptize them with water but Christ by the Holy Spirit. Salvation is only by the supernatural work of God called regeneration. Those who are born and brought up in Christian homes and who ares conformed to morality and Christian behaviour  can be mistakenly think that they are saved.. Nicodemus is an example. Jesus said to him, you must be born again.

Salvation is a gift from God. But as many as as received Jesus  and believed in His name become the sons of God.(John 1:12).In this verse we see two action words. Receive and Believe. Man's action is to receive and believe. Receive means more than receiving a mail. it means to welcome Christ as one's Lord and Savior. To believe means more than mental agreement.  It is more than admiring Jesus as a great teacher. Also it is more than admitting Jesus as God. Satan not only believe that there is a  God but also tremble in terror(James 2:19).Believe simply means active trust in Christ with the desire to treat Him as God and Savior. Also in this verse we see God's action word."To them he gave the power to become the sons of God. Bible says if any man be in Christ he is a new creation.(2Cor 5:17). Jesus is the Savior because He is Lord. Do you know Him as your Lord and Savior?

Apostle John was an eye witness of the glory of Christ. Christ is eternally equally and essentially God. Yet He was willing to be born as a human. This is called incarnation. It is a great mystery(1Tim 3:16).His coming was voluntary. Paul says He was send in the likeness of sinful flesh to become a sin sacrifice for us(Rom 8:3).
In His incarnation Jesus never ceased to be God or exchanged His deity for humanity.But voluntarily emptied the independent exercise of divine attributes and became obedient even unto the death on the cross.He had to be made like His brethren in all things in order to cleanse our sins and serve as our high priest(Heb 2:17).He experienced all range of human infirmities so that he could help us in our needs( Heb 5:2).He had an ancestry, a mother, normal physical growth, brothers and sisters. He experienced hunger, thirst, temptations, sorrow and even experienced an agonizing death.

Those who followed Jesus saw His glory.  Glory is the visible manifestation of God.Many traveled with Christ but few followed Him. Many people saw the  miracles He performed but failed to see His glory(John 2:23-25).Because Satan has blinded their minds to see Christ's glory. John was an eye witness of Christ's moral and divine glory. Christians are privileged to see His moral glory as we follow Him.in obedience to His Word. John saw His glory as the unfailing love or favour and the perfect divine revelation from God. There is a perfect balance in the revelation of grace and truth in Christ. Let us love and adore this wonderful Savior!!.

His Own Received Him Not!!

We are created by God and for God. He sent His Son to reveal Himself to us. So God gave us prophets and the law. God wants us to know Him.as the living Word.  He also gave us His written Word.  Jesus Christ Said "I am not come to destroy the law and prophets but to fulfill(Matt 5:17). Old Testament is taking us forward to Christ. And the New Testament tells us how He came and what He did for us. Bible is not given to scare us but it is God's love letter to us. It was not written for scholars but for the common people in their common language.

Jesus Christ is eternally ,equally and essentially God. Every thing have their existence Him(1 Cor 8:6). He is the creator and not the created(John 1:3). Apart from Him nothing was made. He is the sovereign source, the divine agent of creation. For His use all things were created(Col 1:16' Eph 2:10; Heb 11:3).As some think water,air and fire are not the agent of creation. Nor we are the product of some unplanned chemical process. Jesus is the creator and He sustainer of  this universe(Heb 1:3).In creation  we see God's power and wisdom. Bible says Christ is the power and wisdom of God(1Cor 1:24).He carries all things to their final destiny by controlling and guiding them. God did not create this universe and left it alone. So we can trust our Creator to protect and guide us in our life journey.

In Him was life. (John 1:4). Jesus is the source of life. Both physical and spiritual life come from Hi.m. Here the emphasis in on our spiritual life.This life was the light of men. Christ is the true and complete light. He is able to give light of reason and conscience. This light shines on all people. This world is in darkness. In the Bible darkness referred to our sin and unbelief(John3:19).There is always a hostility between darkness and light. Yet light continue to shine and darkness  never extinguish this light in the life of believers.( 1John 4:4).

John the Baptist was not the complete light but was a witness of light. He was sent from God to bear witness of Christ. He was the forerunner of Christ(Is 40:3-5; Mal 3:1). He came to make ready the way of the Lord by giving the baptism of repentance. He was commissioned by God to lead people to a saving faith in Christ. His ministry was to give Christ all the glory. John testified that he is not Christ,or Elijah or the other prophet
He was the voice crying in the wilderness to repent for the kingdom of God is at hand(Matt 3:2).His ultimate desire was that Christ must increase but he must decrease. We are also commissioned  with a similar ministry today. To reach the world with Gospel of Jesus Christ and make disciples for Him. Jesus testified of John the Baptist that he is the greatest among all prophets. May be because he was privileged to see the one he proclaimed.(Matt 11:11). But no position in this life can be compared with the glory of Christ.

Jesus is more than a prophet. He came to fulfill what prophets prophesied.They wondered  in whom all these prophecies are  going to be fulfilled. They knew that these prophecies reached far beyond  their time. In Genesis 3:15 we read about the enmity between Satan and the Seed of the woman. Christ came born of a woman to destroy the works of the devil (Heb 2:14; 1John 3:8).To Abraham God said "in you all the families of the earth be blessed."(Gen 12:3). That promise was fulfilled in Christ(Galatians 3:16).Christ also fulfilled the law.We failed to obey the law. But Christ fulfilled the Law in His life. Father testified of Jesus that this is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. Christ also fulfilled the law in His death. Law says that the soul that sins should die. Christ bore our sins and died so we can be dead to sin and live in righteousness.(1Pet 2:24).
Christ fulfilled the law in us. Christ came to be our sin offering. He became the atonement for our sin that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us. Now God is able to fulfill the law in us by enabling us to live in obedience to the Holy Spirit(Rom 8:3)What prophets searched are now openly fulfilled by Christ and proclaimed by the Apostles for us. What a privilege to live in the age of New Testament revelation. Yet many people reject Christ, the true Light who fulfilled the prophets and the law.

He came to His own and His own received Him not.. Christ came to revel the Father and  save the world. He  preached about the acceptable year of the Lord. But people were furious and rejected Him(Lk 4:19.28). Jesus healed the sick but Pharisees sought to kill Him(Lk 6:11).He did all things well yet people shouted crucify Him, crucify Him. But there is always  a small remnant to receive Jesus as their Lord  and follow Him. Are you one among them.? May God help us!!