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Readings:
Genesis 12:1-8; Psalm 33:12-22; Romans 4:1-17; John 3:1-17
- John 3 is at the Heart of John’s Gospel
- God’s plan of salvation is for the wold.
- God loved the world… regardless of: race, wealth, abilities… Even those who did not love Him.
- This love is Agape – Doing what is right on the behalf of the object of love…not a feeling
- You are “whosoever”! It is not limited to a color, size, nation, family, race, economic status, etc.
- How much of creation was waiting for redemption? (Romans 8)
- “…that the world might be saved through him.” This makes clear the possibility for salvation. Sadly some “might” not accept the invitation.
- A leader of the Jews, Nicodemus, seeks out Jesus.
- Why did he come by night? (5:55 — 7:16 — four theori es)
- What might have been going through Nicodemus’ head when he heard Jesus say “You must be born again (anew)?
- Who can enter the Kingdom of God?
- Can someone on the “outside” understand the ways of the Kingdom? The Cross does not make sense to someone who is walking in darkness.
- What does it mean that the son of man “must be lifted up”? (v 14 and Numbers 21)
- It is not in our own efforts, but looking to Jesus that we find our deliverance/salvation.
- What do we see when we gaze upon the cross (or a crucifix)?
- How can we lift Him up in our daily lives?
- Not only eternal life…but abundant life (John 10:10)
- Condemnation is optional! God has provided all we need. Each of us is invited into a relationship with God through Christ. Jesus did not come to condemn. Rather, he came to save.
- There may be parts of our own lives, our own hearts, that we try to hid in the darkness.
