JOHN 3:17-36 (FROM HGM ON 25 APRIL 23)

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. Commentary: Jesus knew the purpose why he was sent (to die on the cross for our sin) so He did not try to become the judge. The world needed mercy (like now) rather than a judge. Judgment is a neutral word with no bad or good connotation. There is coming a day when Jesus will become the judge of the world, but for now He expects us to be able to judge our world so that we do not get over in areas and sin which will lead us out of God. 

18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. Commentary: Since the context of this verse is world judgment this verse then refers to believing one not coming under the same judgment as the world. Because of applications of truth the non-Believer is already condemned even before Jesus passes judgment on them. They even know in their heart they are guilty before God (Romans 1:20-32) 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. Commentary: In reality it is not Jesus or God that passes judgment on the world, but man's lack of response to the light and a desire to stay in their darkness is what judges man. The light of God is presented to man and in the presentation of the light is the righteousness of God. So, if the light is rejected so is God's righteousness. There is a choice God presents to man be corrected by the Light now or be judged by the Light (God) later. We will be judged by our works the evidence of our character and quality or the lack thereof 

20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. Commentary: Jesus told Nicodemus those dedicated to darkness practice wickedness. They know they are not doing right, but have no intention of changing and doing right yet do not want to appear evil so they will avoid if possible any reproof of their evil ways. So they shun the light (what is good, righteous, and true) and avoid any contact with people of the light. It takes a work of God and His mercy and grace to break through the darkness and bring us to the light. 

21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. Commentary: The Believer (not a Christian) who walks in obedience doing what is right, living according to the Holy Spirit is well aware the production of truth in and through their life is not of himself. "That his deeds" does not refer to the Believer's motivation, but a result of their continual approach to the light. This motivation and in coming to the Light is to fellowship and commune with Him. 

22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized. Commentary: Jesus leaves Nicodemus and with His disciples leaves for Judea where they rested and baptized people. In the Greek the word is "immersed" a better example of how they baptized. 

23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. Commentary: This is a telling verse. Although Jesus was on the scene making disciples and baptizing John the Baptist was still baptizing continuing his ministry. John was still baptizing because there was much water. Earlier John pointed to Jesus and lost disciples as a result. Now in spite of having no pertinent message he continues to draw disciples unto himself. 

24 For John was not yet cast into prison. Commentary: The only thing that will stop John from baptizing is a forced redirection to place where there is no water. God has to put John in a place where there was no water to stop his interferences of Jesus ministry. John rebukes King Herod having his brother's wife which ended the process and landed John in prison. 

25 Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying. Commentary: One of John's disciples brought up a question about baptism with the Jews about purifying. It was not clear what the question was, but what was clear was the spirit from the questioner. We must be careful to take on only the spirit the Lord desires to give us. Remember the operation of truth in and through us must be characterized by grace and revelation. 

26 And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. Commentary: John the Baptist was perplexed about Jesus and this was seen in the disciples. Instead of insisting his disciples follow Jesus he continued in his ministry. All of John's disciples knew of Jesus and I believe knew they were to leave John and go with Jesus, but John was very persuasive and they stayed with him even as John was imprisoned. All Godly ministry leads us to Jesus. The question we will be asked is what shall we do with Jesus. 

27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. Commentary: John was very noncommittal in his response. It is true a man cannot give what he has not receive, but John did not answer his disciples questions to Jesus identity, deity, and validly. John's belief in Jesus will finally come out while in prison. 

28 Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. Commentary: Nowhere in the Scriptures does John the Baptist give Jesus the title "the Christ" or "the Anointed One." John drills into his disciples that Jesus is the "Lamb of God" which did not deeply register with them. John still holds out his ministry, "I am sent before Him," but had no revelation of who Jesus really was. 

29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. Commentary: John had not been thrown into prison so John's faith and hope in Jesus had not blossomed or faulted. John's joy is not the fulfillment of his revelation converting words into action, but in the possibility. We can either rejoice over the revelation we have received from the will of God in our lives, but if we do not walk in it we miss the best God has for us. 

30 He must increase, but I must decrease. Commentary: John is correct his revelation is not far off. John knows he must fade off of the scene from the Light of the world, but he is not going to do anything that will hasten his decreasing. Even though his revelation is correct his sight for the need to walk in that revelation is lacking, or "want to" is lacking. He knows right, but does wrong. Sin. 

31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. Commentary: From this point to the end of the chapter it is the words of John the Apostle. Jesus' source is Heaven like no other man. His authority and power come out from His Father in Heaven thus becoming the expression of Heaven. In contrast at the same time Jesus is an expression of the earth. He bears the image of the earth and expresses earth values, and lives an earthly life. 

32 And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. Commentary: The perception and hearing of Jesus was heavenward. Man's is earthly not heavenly so they live for the lower level. Those who did had to turn their gaze and desires away from the earth they had to be free from earthly fetters which prevents a heavenly vision. 

33 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. Commentary: The one who looks away from the earth sees and recognizes the truth and its source. Therefore, the testimony of Jesus is from the Father and the reality of Heaven is at hand. This concept is direct in ratio and proportion to our ability to receive this revelation. At the same ratio we can turn away from our love for this world and our self at that same ratio we can receive the revelation of who Jesus is. 

34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. Commentary: God sent Jesus and God sends men. Most men are sent with a portion of spiritual understanding and takes the divine principles of God in their own words (logos), but Jesus was sent without the Spirit because the fullness and wholeness of the Spirit was already given to Him. Thus the more of the Spirit in a person the greater the "rhema" (spoken word of God) comes forth from that person. 

35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. Commentary: The word "loveth" here is agape or dedication. The Father dedicated Himself to the Son. The Father's dedication to the Son is so full and complete with nothing withheld. This measure is found in the Son for the Father a forsaking of self and a desire for the will of the Father. Therefore the commitment the Father has for the Son is complete and full nothing held back. The Son did not take anything from the Father He only took that which was given by the Father. So too for us. Our commitment to the Father will measure out what He is able to give us. What a lesson for us to learn. 

36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. Commentary: The extent of Jesus' relationship and revelation (both walk hand and hand) becomes the valid basis for belief. This belief is God's opportunity to lift the Believer above the earthly life to the degree that he need not abide under the Adamic curse. The gift to the believer is life eternal coming to know God (and not just going to Heaven some day) now in the present as Jesus knew God so complete and so full. God does not like disobedience. There are two things handing over the heads of those who disobey. One is the anger of God and the other is threat or danger of His anger being poured out on the one who is disobedient. Not only is anger involved, but the loss of the kingdom of God (righteous, joy, peace, etc.) and so much more.

COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM

I do not know about you my friend, but when I see and hear the foolishness in the world today and especially in America, I have to just shake my head and wonder how did we get here? I cannot believe how fast tribal wokeism, the LGBTQ+, and the socialism crowd won the day. I cannot believe how fast the homosexual life style gave way to transgenderism, hormone replacement therapy, and child sex mutilation surgeries. After all, we were promised by President Obama and the Democratic Party, if we just turn our heads to two men or two women getting married everything would be okay with America, but we see now how he and the other perverts in our government lied with one goal in mind, to destroy the next few generations of Americans. Why did we let this happen? I mean to be accepted in American society today I must believe tribal wokeism, LGBQT+, transgenderism, racism, and even Critical Race Theory (just another name for racism, but against white people) is normal and correct. To be accepted in American society today we must believe there are more than two sexes, men can have babies, not be able to define what a woman is, and so much more. If not, then we are in danger of being arrested for hate speech. Why did we allow this to happen? They knew perfectly well what they were doing. They knew most Americans are so distracted by drugs, alcohol, sports, work, animal shows, cooking shows, you name the distraction and the America people are blinded by it. They knew the attention span of most Americans is about 30 minutes, the average time limit of a TV program. They knew they controlled the main-stream media, Hollywood, and the banking system. They knew they controlled the elementary, middle, high school, and college and university school systems in which the takeover started in the late 1960s. They knew most Americans are stuck on themselves. They knew the power of selfishness, greed, narcissism, “free stuff” all an unholy and ungodly cocktail. How did we get to this place? Well, the answer to my question is painfully clear. You know there is no Christian country as there is no holy land (but God expects us to be holy), but we can be a country of many Christians. And in the case of America today people, Christians included, are walking away from the things of God for the things of the world. So, God sees our heart and does not want Angels or robots to serve Him so He allows us to have all of the rope we want to hang our selves. I wish He would stop us, but if He did that would go against God’s nature and character. And as we take more and more rope He removes His hand of protection, providence, sanity, civility, common sense, health, wealth, His peace, and turns us over to the desires of our heart, to our selfishness, and our wickedness. Jeremiah tells our heart is, “deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” God! A heart not dealt with by God will always run to its destruction and along the way destroy as many lives as it can. But most important, they also knew most American people had no heart for God and are moving away from His word. A poll I saw recently said only 39% of Americans think religion is important. Oddly, I would agree, religion is useless, but now a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that is a different story. But this poll includes all aspects of wanting to know God. They knew all of this and so much more so they did what demonic people (and I seriously mean that, demon possessed people) do, they push back against God, His word, and what God is doing in the world. We must never make the mistake and think all of the woes and wrongs of America are political, oh no, my friend. The woes and wrongs of America are spiritual in nature. Remember Jesus said, “Thy will be done in earth as it is done in heaven.” Now, I do not believe there is a battle going on in heaven for earth, oh no, Bible says in Psalms 24:1, “The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” But I do believe there is a struggle for the hearts and minds of people on earth and the winners or losers of people on earth are determined by who they give their will over too. God will allow our will, what we desire, to be done on earth and it will be done or recorded, according to our heart condition, so too in heaven. That is what Jesus was telling Peter in Matthew 16:19, “And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:19) There are no special “keys” to the kingdom, how foolish to believe so. But the “keys” Jesus was telling Peter about are these, whatsoever thou (Peter, you, yourself) shalt bind (or gather to yourself, like gathering hay or straw into sheeves was the image Jesus was painting in Peter’s mind) on earth it shall be bound (or gathered to you in heaven) and the reverse it true with loosing. So, what we do or not do on earth will be bound or gathered to us or to our record in heaven and we, will someday have to stand before the LORD and give account of our actions. What we do or not do on earth as recorded in Heaven are the “keys” that unlock or lock Heaven to us. Yes, my friend, there is a struggle on earth out from the heart condition of men and women. The struggle is against God and what He has said and done more than it is against other men and women, but make no mistake my friend, some people especially from the liberal social progressive wing of the Democratic Party is hell bent on destroying America as a country and her ability to share the Gospel message around the world. This is why God raised up America not for freedom and democracy (they are by-products of a Godly people), but for the sharing of the Gospel. You can see it in what they believe and how they treat people, how they treat the things of God and His word which are true and holy. But again, at the heart of these people and their lack of civility and morality is them being possessed with demons. After all, either we are possessed with the Holy Spirit or we are possessed with unholy spirits and it is these unholy spirits in these ungodly people that causes ungodly outcomes, choices, decisions, and policies in their lives and in the lives of Godly people. We can see it in the lives of our leaders in government. When I see many leaders and their actions in our government, from the President on down, I see ungodly and utterly demonic policies. I will be honest here. I have never seen, in my entire lifetime, a government administration of America that blatantly lies and misrepresents the truth so much as our present administration. “Liar liar pants on fire,” in all facets of society in relationships with the social media, with Hollywood, with our Federal law enforcement, with DoD, with our Local, State, and Federal courts, even the Supreme Court the list sadly goes on. And even sadder, we can even see it in the churches (which is most, but now there are some exceptions) who has closed their hearts and mind to word of God, so that they can spout a feel-good seeker-sensitive (turn the lights out and get a cup of coffee), denominational inclusive, tolerate message that God loves everyone and we all are God’s children. Well, I have some good news (some truth) for you my friend, God does NOT love everyone, please read your Bible. Jesus did die for everyone, but His death and resurrection is ONLY beneficial for those who believe in Him. Everyone else sadly will end up (Revelation 20:11-15) in the Lake of Fire, again read your Bible. You know when I think of America and her spiritual lack my mind goes to Paul at the house Church in Corinth. Not 1 Corinthians where the Church (maybe 20 to 30 folks) at Corinth was called on the carpet before God and thankfully they repented, but to 2 Corinthians. Even though the house church repented and came back to the original teachings of Christ brought by Paul, they still had to live in the society of their day as we have to do also. Paul had to deal with all of this ungodly behavior, demonic government leadership, moral and spiritual debauchery of sociality so this was Paul’s recommendation to the house Church in Corinth and I recommend this as well how we should live our lives today. Paul writes, “O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged. 12 Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowls. 13 Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged. 14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:11:18) What a truth, what a new direction for the Body of Christ and not the Church there is a big difference. But as we know these verses are not very popular in the Church of today. In verse 14 Paul says, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” Most Christians think Paul is talking about marriage, but not so. Paul is talking about ALL relationships with non-believers, not to be “unequally yoked” in business, in friendships, in any way. We as Believers are NOT to be friends, partners, acquaintances, even with family, we MUST keep our distance. Pray for them most fervently, speak the truth in love to them if given the opportunity, but in the in between times keep our distance. God brought this hard lesson to me over my parents 60th wedding anniversary. Karen and I were to go to the anniversary party where we knew there was going to be a lot of drinking and other gross ungodly things not good for us to be around. God knew also so He had us go up the day before to bring our gift and celebrate the anniversary. My father never understood and was upset with us till his dying day, but better to have my father upset at us than God. A true Believer will not, cannot have fellowship with unrighteousness. And what communion hath light with darkness? Oh no my friend, if you call yourself a Believer and have unrighteous friendships and relationships then according to the word of God you are not a Believer. Verse 16, “And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” How can God abide in us, the temple of the LORD, the House of the God, if we walk in ungodly ways and fellowship with unrighteous people? I do not care who it is, even if it is your mother or father, brothers, or sister, your children, your pastor, whomever stay away if they do not love Jesus with all of their heart. If we walk with ungodly people then God will not, cannot dwell in us. So here is the advice, I recommend what we do, as being in the world, but not of the world, verse 18 says, “come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” We have to come out from among those in the world, not just in our heart, but from the verse here is says “be ye separate saith the LORD” and “touch not the unclean thing and then I will receive you.” Paul was talking about people “them” not the world system. Oh, I know it is not current Church practice, theology, and doctrine and I can hear the naysayers now, “how about evangelism, do you not care about the lost?” Yes of course I do, but I do not need to have a bunch of ungodly relationships with people to be able to speak truth into the lives of people I meet along the way of life. If we do this “come out from among them” then according to the authority of the Word of God, “I will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” Did you get that? God will be God to us and we will be His children. The condition for God to be God to us is NOT believing on Jesus Christ (which is important), but by coming “out from among them (the people), and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” Maybe, that is why not many Christians and some Believers I know are children of God? I will even take it another step. How many times on TV and in the news have you seen mass shootings, killings, robberies, carjacking, flash mob’s stealing, cities burning, riots well you got the picture. Well, here is another recommendation, let the cities burn, let the people shoot and rob each other, come out from among the cities and be ye separate. It will only be the hand of God’s judgment to rein these cities and criminals in. Separate yourself from such places and be free of senseless crime and bloodshed. Keep your heart, mind, and family intact. You know it is a lot safer and more fulfilling spiritually having fellowship and communion with people love Jesus Christ. My spirit is at rest and the assault of the enemy (Satan and man) is calmed in me. Maybe that is why Paul recommended these words to the house Church at Corinth. Written by David Stahl

A MEDITATION ON EASTER

Around Christmas time last year I shared some thoughts on Christ not being a baby and now as we draw closer to what many call the Easter season I would like to share some thoughts on this topic. First, the word we use to express the great victory of Christ, “Easter” is found once in the KJV of the Bible and has nothing to do with the Gospel; the death, the burial, and (our blessed hope of glory) the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The word “Easter” is found in Acts and is talking about Peter not Jesus, “And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.” (Acts 12:4) and is translated from the Greek as Passover, again it has nothing to do with the Gospel message. I am not going to go into all of the pagan rituals and religious traditional practices that surround the historical myth of Easter my intent is to lift up the name of Jesus. But my friend we have “truly” (taking something from the physical realm and projecting it into the spiritual realm) drifted so far from the true meaning of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and the great price He paid for my sin and your sin. We have insulted God’s supreme act of giving His only begotten Son and the truth for an emotional swell during the holiday season, to increase church attendance, and to spread one's denominational message under the guise of sharing the Gospel. We do so much in church that displeases God and cover it up by saying we are sharing the Gospel. God, please forgive us. God does not need special services that effect our emotions and feelings to share the Gospel message. God needs dedicated and consistent children to follow Him and His basic plan. A few years ago, I heard a statement from a pastor (of a church we once attended) that just shook me to my knees. He said after Jesus was arrested and crucified the light of the world went out. How my spirit quivered within me. How my stomach churned and ached for this fellow’s words were not true but was in keeping with the emotional Easter tradition. At no point in time has Jesus not been the light of the world. My friend even when Jesus obediently and willfully laid His life down, He was still in control; of all Heaven, earth, hell, and will always be the light of the world. His light will never go out. Death could not hold Him, the grave could not hold Him, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:55-57) Because this is true about Jesus we too can say, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” Let us not be led by our emotions and plans to practice an Easter season but be led by the Holy Spirit to know and understand the true message of the Gospel. This my friend is the message that will change your life forever. At the Passover Supper (before He went out into the garden) Jesus knew the garden experience was there and He knew that the cross, death, the grave, and hell was waiting Him. Yet Jesus went out with a hymn in His heart, “And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.” (Matthew 26:29) How could He do that? He could sing because He had the victory already in His heart. The victory and trust He had in His Father to carry Him through the garden, onto the cross, and into and out of the grave. He knew His Father would never leave Him nor forsake Him. The victory was first won as the Father pressed out the life and will of Jesus at Gethsemane (which means where oil is pressed), “Then saith he unto them, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. 39And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (Matthew 26:38-39) Knowing what was before Him Jesus could still break bread with His disciples, “And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.” (Matthew 26:26) Knowing what was ahead for Him Jesus could still give thanks, “And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 28For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” (Matthew 26:27-28) He could only do this because it was the most sublime manifestation of faith ever expressed. We think He had faith when He restored sight to the blind, strengthened limbs, and raised the dead. Yes, that was wonderful, but we must see the spiritual side of things. We must see the necessity of faith in the realm of the Spirit, not in the flesh (like the Easter myth), but the realm of the Spirit where we have the faith to dare to believe like Jesus. It is Jesus’ victorious life which leads up to His victorious death and that is what presents Him as the Lamb without spot and blemish. When seen on the Mount of Transfiguration, He is a Lamb without spot or blemish, but it is a Lamb that has been slain! We are not saved by His life we are saved by His death. His life is exemplary it is beautiful, but He did not come to display great character and to do miracles, He came to die for us. The way of life is through a region of death and unless we partake of His death we shall never reign with Him. “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:” (Romans 6:3-5) The truth of the season is a bitter-sweet message of death so that we may live. It is not about new clothing, many church activities, special foods, and musical programs to get people to come to church, but it is about us loving God enough to be willing (like Jesus) to fall into the ground and die, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” (John 12:24) And, to love God’s word enough in simplicity to share it without fanfare and emotional ceremony knowing the Holy Spirit will do His work in lives. Then too we will be able to say we have before the throne (our heart) of God today a victorious risen Lord. Let us keep the love feast of Jesus’ sacrifice. Let us honor Him and His work in us and for those who we are to lead to the cross for His glory. Let not this season be a myth or holiday, but an invitation to life, the life of God. Written by David Stahl