TYPE OR SHADOW OR SUBSTANCE

Karen and I have a friend who has never been to church before so we said we would wait outside of the church (which transforms a high school gym into a place to gather people) and attend. As I told her, "misery loves company and we would love to suffer with you." Well, we suffered alone she never showed up, but that was okay maybe it was for the best. We kind of knew what we were getting into, a big (maybe 300 folks) seeker-sensitive church, no lights except on stage, gallons of coffee, smiles, peace and welcoming signs, and a message about a hip Jesus, but no balloons. Some older lady tried very hard get me to take a cup of coffee, but I was waiting for our friend and Karen. Well, our conversation, in hind sight, did not go well especially when I was told I had to go to the big blue tent outside and get my free gift. Not sure of the Bible translation the Pastor used, but when he linked Christmas (lights, reindeer, and Santa) to the Gospel and started showing pictures of "South of Border," "Bucees" a Texas gas station chain, and a Chick-fil-a in NY, City, while speaking on "The Wonders of Christmas" and since our friend did not show up, I looked over at Karen and she already packed up so we left. You should have seen the looks we got. Way too much seeker-sensitive for us. Basically, the seeker-sensitive church (for those who have never heard of the term) tries to reach out to the unsaved person by making the church experience as comfortable, inviting, and non-threatening as possible. The hope is that the person will believe in the gospel. The idea behind the concept is to get as many unsaved people through the door as possible and the church leadership is willing to use nearly any means to accomplish that goal. Theatrics and musical entertainment are the norm during the church service to keep the unsaved person from getting bored (as they think) as in a traditional church. State-of-the-art technology in lighting and sound are common components of the seeker-sensitive church, especially the larger ones. But, John tells us, "Love not this world and the things in it. (John 2:15) things like all of the theatrical and musical entertainment and make no mistake my friend the "true Gospel message is very threatening to our self. Again, way too much seeker-sensitive for us. All of the "things" used to get the unsaved people through the door: the music, coffee, free gift, non-threatening conversation, and the like are what some people would call types and shadows of Christ. but no they are not. They are just gimmicks, tricks, and marketing ploys to hook people to come to church and then count on their good looks, their winning personalities, number of people in attendance, and a high-tech glitzy light and sound show, and their persuasion to convince, while not depending on the drawing of the Holy Spirit. Paul in Romans, talking about the Jews and all lost people, "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. 2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth." (Romans 10:1-4) Zeal in God must be broken in us or we will lead many people astray and in the end miss the mark our self. This my friend is the problem with the seeker-sensitive movement in the world, zeal for God, but no knowledge of God. Paul talks about what shadows are in Colossians 2. Here Paul is drawing a contrast in this passage between shadow and substance. He is contrasting those things that are merely a shadow of Christ (religion, the Law of Moses, zealous effort, legalism, false humility, and the like) he is contrasting those over and against the Person of Jesus Christ Himself. Paul writes, "Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body (substance and reality) is of Christ. Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increases with the increase of God. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honor to the satisfying of the flesh." (Col. 2:16-23) Now the words, "shadow of things to come" is significant. Paul is not talking about world events that will happen in the future. Rather, he is talking about eternal things. This is usually what the New Testament means when it speaks of "things to come," the eternal things that are coming to pass through Jesus Christ. Now, you will also note that Paul is talking about religious things in this passage. In fact, he uses an example of a shadow, God’s own law and ordinances. God gave the laws of clean and unclean meats, the Old Testament Holy Days, the calendar based on new moons, and certainly gave the Sabbath commandment. So, when we think in terms of a shadow we must not think of sin or some pagan religion. Oh No. The shadows in this passage are things which God gave us, they are in fact, a shadow of Christ. A shadow of Christ is a representation of Christ. Sure is, just as our shadow represents us. If you stand outside on a bright, sunny day, and allow your shadow to be cast in front of you, does not your shadow accurately represent you? Absolutely it does. Your shadow is an accurate outline of you. It is in your shape. It is just that it is all filled in with darkness where your body is blocking the sun. This is also the case with the many shadows of Christ. They do rightly represent Him, they are God given, but as far as they are able they rightly speak of Him. They are truth, but they are NOT repeat NOT Christ Himself. This is what Paul is telling us. Imagine you trying to give a shadow a big hug, instead of the person casting it. It could not be done. Imagine if you tried to have any kind of relationship with a shadow rather than the person. That would be utter nonsense. In fact, you can see only the shape of a person and perhaps pick up a few details of a person, from their shadow, but for the most part you cannot know many details about them. And you certainly cannot know them from their shadow. You can know only a few things about them and those few things have nothing to do with a relationship with them. In fact, without the person there can be no shadow. God gave His law and His ordinances to point to Christ. They do accurately represent Him for they are in the inspired Word of God. But, God never intended for us to settle for the shadow. He intended for us to come to know the Person. There are Christians by the millions today who know only the shadow. That is a problem to be sure, but actually it is not the biggest problem. The biggest problem is that they think the shadow of Christ is the Person. In other words, they are deceived. One of the most often used wiles of the enemy (Satan or man) is to get us to settle for less than God has for us all the while convincing us that we have all that God has for us. Some Christians are so prideful that they will not be exposed by God as coming short of what He has for them. They take pride in living in a relationship with a shadow of Christ because they insist they are special in God’s eyes and so they demand, "they have arrived." There is little or no humility or submission to God. So they will not accept being told they are less than a mature Christian. Others simply refuse to go on to the Person of Christ because it requires that they be moved out of their comfort zone. A shadow is not very demanding is it? But, neither can it bless. I hope we get the point. God does not want us to get wrapped up in even the shadow of Christ that He Himself has given. There are certainly other shadows that He has not given and those also would be things to avoid. Paul is telling us that there is reality and truth and life not merely in teachings about Christ, but in Christ Himself. You know, actually, Paul is not merely correcting Christians in Colossians 2, he is warning them. Note that. Colossians is an epistle about the centrality of Jesus Christ. And in Chapter 2, Paul gives us four ways in which Christ is all things to us. He says: "in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (Col 2:3), "rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving." (Col 2:7), "you are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:" (Col 2:10) and "which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ." (Col 2:17) My friend, Christianity is Christ in us the hope of glory. Chapter 2 is really giving us four ways in which Christ who is in us will be revealed to us and experienced by us, but you will notice that with each of these statements about Jesus there is also a warning given by Paul, lest we be drawn away from the truth. Paul says: "And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words." (Col 2:4) "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." (Col 2:8) "Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:" (Col 2:16) "Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind." (Col 2:18) And yet, despite these, and so many other warnings from God, Christians rarely do beware. They almost never, "test the spirits" or even pause to question whether something is taught in the Bible. Instead, they assume that if the masses are following a certain course, then it must be right, because God would not let that many people be deceived. Well, if the world is running after you, even the Christian world, you can bet the LORD is not. We assume that if a movement is highly successful selling books, with TV ministry, going around the world, and especially if they claim souls are being won, that this must be of God, but all shadows, no substance which is Christ. We assume that if a famous preacher affirms something then he must know. Satan has absolutely succeeded, over the last fifty years, in softening up the Body of Christ to the point where many Christians will accept anything as long as it is packaged with hype, supposed miracles, and especially if it makes them feel good about themselves like the seeker-sensitive church movement. Almost never do people actually strip off all the hype, the pressure to join the crowd, and the names that affirm such movements and simply ask: "What does it really say about this in the Word of God?" And just as importantly, "What does it not say about this in the Word of God?" Paul said beware. But, again beware of what? Well, we certainly ought to beware of false teaching. We need to make sure that this does not gain entrance into our lives. However, Paul is actually getting at something more. He is saying, Beware lest you be led away from Jesus Christ as your very life! Beware lest you follow a substitute for Christ, some philosophy or law. Beware lest you be in a relationship with a shadow of Christ, instead of Christ Himself. Christian people need to hear this loud and clear: God is not going to spare us deception or the consequences of deception if we neglect to heed His warnings. One of the biggest way in which many of us error, in this matter of shadow vs. substance, is in the matter of the peace of God. Too often we think that peace is a condition of mind, or emotions. And so Christians seek a condition of mind called "peace" but, this is not the peace of God. Rather, we should seek Christ Himself. For once we see Him and walk in Him, His peace will be operative in and through us. Today there is more and more preaching on Christian TV that amounts to nothing more than pop psychology. Many teach how to be happy and achieve emotional wholeness. The goal, in many cases, is to achieve peace of mind, and the way to achieve it is to get it from God. Of course they bring Christ in to the picture and do mention obedience and faith. And much of it might sound good and indeed, some of it may have a basis of Truth, but almost all of it completely misses the point. Jesus Christ did not die to give us a happy and comfortable state of mind or emotional life. Oh No. Jesus died to give us Himself. Any happy emotional state that is of the Holy Spirit must be the result of knowing Him, and walking in Him. And why? The peace of God is the result of peace with God. And the only way to get peace with God is by surrendering to Him. Lastly, repentance is a shadow, but it is not a mechanical religious exercise whereby I give intellectual assent to the Biblical doctrines that state that I am a sinner and that I must confess and repent. People do this all the time. No. Repentance is the result of "truly" seeing Jesus Christ. That will reveal to me both my sin and the Savior. And unless I see both, it is not real repentance unto salvation. Since Christ is the substance and reality it ought to tell us that unless He is in what we are doing, it is a shadow at best. The Body of Christ is to be the expression of Christ and not a religious shadow of Christ. May God show us the difference. Paul writes as he goes on in Colossians 3, "If you then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For you are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall you also appear with him in glory." (Col 3:1-4) Written by David Stahl

John 4:1-14 (HGM on 23 May 23)

1 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, Commentary: Here is seen the development of the "he must increase" John (the Immerser) mentioned in Chapter 3. The Pharisees always kept tabs on religious activities in and around Palestine. This was certainly a picture of conflict in the eyes of the Pharisees because conflict was the way the Pharisees did business. 

2 (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) Commentary: Jesus never baptized one person His disciples did, but one thing for sure Jesus knew how to delegate. He trained His disciples and then sent them out to preach and perform signs and wonders. God gets His disciples involved so that He can do an inner work in them bringing them from a place of servant hood to friendship. We work the Gospel so that the Gospel can work us. 

3 He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee. Commentary: So, Jesus left. Why did not John leave? John did not have enough spiritual discernment to know to leave. Jesus saw the conflict of the two ministries and knew His Father would not be glorified and the Pharisees would then exploit the division. We must be ready to shift gears in the LORD or He cannot use us. If called to the mission field we may not be called there our entire life. There are only two calls in the Bible: a call to repentance and a call to fellowship with the LORD. Example: Paul did not live and die in Macedonia (Act 16:6) 

4 And he must needs go through Samaria. Commentary: Most Jews take the Jordan Valley when traveling north to south. Then they usually cross over the east side of the river Bethabara (House of Crossing over) where John was immersing (John 1:28) This leading was contrary to custom and would be severely frowned upon by the Jews. So too today when we have a leading in God away from the traditions of men the Brethren frown upon it. But Samaria represents the racism, nationalism, and class status that Jesus bridges. When was the last time you went by way of Samaria? 

5 Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Commentary: "Then" comes only after a when. Only after Jesus (and us) are willing to move out from His ministry in Judea do we get our when. This is God's overall plan of ministry, when and then our "then." The "then" is a divine appointment destination. The when are the stepping stones. When we confess then we get our divine destination. This principle will follow us through life and even into eternity. Knowing the Father's will Jesus traveled towards Sychar. A servant may be put in a place for years before they see the reason, but faithfulness yields purpose. 

6 Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied (laboring) with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. (noon) Commentary: The natural always flows with the spiritual, so Jesus being tired rested at the well waiting for the Spiritual to yield an opportunity. We are brought into the Spiritual to live there as natural human beings. The LORD wants our Spiritual life to be more natural, but not carnal. We must not become over spiritualized this does more harm than good. But our life in the Spiritual must be lived out naturally, as breathing. The well usually was deserted, but Jesus had a divine appointment. 

7 There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. Commentary: Due to the time of day the woman wanted to avoid (morning and evening) the other women. Alone Jesus and the woman had a divine arrangement. Jesus initiated the conservation as He does with us all. He reaches out to the needy by the Holy Spirit before they can reach Him. He draws and we follow. 

8 (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.) Commentary: How odd all of the disciples were in the city buying meat. (food) God often will move well meaning disciples out of the way to get a specific work done in someone's life. 

9 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. Commentary: I guess the Samarian lady never talked to a Jew. Here is a "then" after a when. Jesus did not hesitate to perform the when even if it will break tradition and custom to feed a hungry heart and touch the needy. This unlikely woman was a much needed spiritual refreshing for Jesus. Often our blessings come from packages we deem unworthy. 

10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. Commentary: Jesus was offering the woman two things: one a picture of His deity and two eternal life. Jesus' refreshing started when the Spirit reached out through Him to meet the woman's need. Jesus' nontraditional approach and usual answer pulled the woman from any attempt to actually draw water for Jesus. She was naturally draw by men, but she was strangely drawn to this man who she referred to as a Jew. 

11 The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? Commentary: Now the LORD has her respect, "Sir" the Samarian woman is curious about this living water. This was a sign she was opening her heart even though she was still unaware of the truth before her, but she was unsure where this water is located, "thou hast nothing to draw with." 

12 Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? Commentary: Even though she did not know who Jesus was her respect did not elevate Jesus above Jacob, however she did see some greatness in Jesus from the start. 

13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: Commentary: Jesus was drawing a parallel between the natural and the spiritual water. The Samarian woman could not find the satisfaction in life. She came to the well day after day as she looked for satisfaction in every relationship. This woman was used to being thirsty and was seeking gratification when she met Jesus. The words "thirst again" means temporary contentment. So too in our lives. 

14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. Commentary: Jesus spoke a mystery to her that she did not understand. He was telling her fulfillment comes only from God. Because the Father gave Jesus life within Himself he now can impart life to others. A Spiritual principle: a man cannot give what he does not have. Unless we too have life in us we can impart life, but if not then all we can impart in every relationship we enter is death. The result is a divine quality of life not that the believer becomes divine, but now they can partake of His divine nature. The entire process in each individual is toward and into eternal life. The person grows toward many areas of divine quality entering into each area as the work of God as it is completed and the believer qualifies.

SETTING OUR MIND

Paul in the Book of Romans tells us, "For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." (Romans 8:5-7) But, what does the Bible mean when it uses the phrase, set your mind or affections? To answer this we have to take the phrase in two parts. We first have to understand the Greek word translated "mind" and then we have to understand the meaning of the word set. The word translated "mind" in the New Testament does not mean brains. Neither is the meaning limited to the idea of thought or thinking. It really has to do with a person’s volition or will. My "mind" – under this use of the word – is my intent or purpose. Indeed, we might even say that we are to set our intent upon or set our purpose upon – whatever we are talking about. We can see this usage of the word elsewhere. For example, we are told to, "have this mind in ourselves, as was in Jesus Christ." We are told to have, "the mind of Christ;" to, "arm ourselves with the same mind" as Christ. This is talking about the moral attitude, indeed the relationship, between Jesus Christ and His Father that was Jesus’ "mind" towards God and then, as the outcome of the "mind" Jesus had towards God. I hope I did not lose you here. Thus, in a very real sense, a person’s "mind" is who they are in intention. It is their commitment of themselves and the purpose that governs them. We are not here talking about how they have come to have the "mind" that they have, we are only talking about what the word means. The "mind" in Biblical use, in many respects, is the real us. This is important. Now, Paul tells us that we are able to set our minds on and then the alternatives of either flesh or Spirit are given. Note that we can set our "mind" on or to put it another way, we can choose to live upon and be governed by one basis or another. The meaning here is not merely that of focused thoughts or thinking. This is not so much about what occupies our thinking each day. Paul is not talking about whether we are thinking about that which is of the flesh or that which is of the Spirit. Of course, this would be loosely included because if our intentions are being set upon a certain way we will be thinking about it. But rather than limit this to what thoughts we are having it is more accurate to see it as the realm which governs us. To set my "mind" upon the flesh means that I am allowing the flesh or natural to govern me. To set my "mind" upon the Spirit means that the Truth in Christ Jesus governs me. So when Paul uses the phrase, "set your mind upon" or the phrase "set your mind upon the things…," he is talking about what we adopt as our basis for living: Flesh or the Spirit. He might as well have said, "live your life on the basis of either the flesh or the Spirit." In other words, if I set my "mind" upon the flesh or things of the flesh I have accepted the natural realm as the basis for my living. I am walking according to my natural perception. I am determining truth according to my natural thinking, and according to outward circumstances. But, if I set my "mind" on the basis of the Spirit then I am detached from the natural and living on the basis of Jesus Christ. Now, all of this is verified in what is really the summation of the passage: "Those who are "led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God." (Romans 8:14). Now the word translated "led" in this verse can mean governed. We are governed by what we set our "mind" upon. For once we set our "mind" upon the flesh or Spirit then our "mind" and all that comprises it becomes governed by either. For a saved person, this is, of course, voluntary. But it is nevertheless a fact. You know we all strive for spiritual growth and development or we should be striving towards this goal if we are serious with the LORD. But, how do we know when we have grown to a new level in the LORD? After all there is no voice from Heaven that says, good job you just have passed to a new level or there is no handwriting on the wall that tells us we have advanced in the LORD, but there are ways, I believe, ways that tells us we are moving closer to setting our "mind" on Christ and have grown in the grace and knowledge of the LORD Jesus Christ. In keeping with our article I believe one way we can tell we are moving closer to the "mind" of Christ is when we are quietly spending time with the LORD waiting on Him, no talking, no praying, no reading just sitting there quiet with our mouth shut, but in our spirit we are magnifying Him, pushing our spirit upward to the LORD in thankfulness and thanksgiving. I really believe the LORD really likes these times when we get quiet before Him. Last Sunday we were with Pastor Tek Dahal from Kathmandu, Nepal at The LORD's Table in Goldsboro, NC and he spoke of tithing our time with the LORD. Pastor Tek recommended, to start, we spent at least 120 minutes in the morning and 120 minutes at night with the LORD. That would be 1/6th of our 24 hour day with the LORD. So my thinking here, while waiting if our mind or thoughts drifts away from a current thought (which for most Believers it will) towards thinking about the things of God, instead of things of the world or self, in some fashion or another then our "mind" has been set to the spiritual realm and not the fleshly which reveals in us a spiritual growth in us from a spiritual aspect. Not thinking about something, but being directed in our spirit to think about the things of God truly speaks of us our "mind" being set on Christ. You know what we think on is who and what we really are. This thought of setting our "mind" really goes much deeper. We can now see a little more as to what it means to set one’s "mind" on the flesh or to set one’s "mind" on the Spirit. This is talking about what realm governs us. it is talking about what realm frames our perception indeed, it is talking about what realm we use to frame our perception, even of God. Which realm is our standard for Truth? To set one’s "mind" upon the flesh or upon things below means that our life is based upon that realm. For example let’s take something simple as sin. How is a Believer supposed to respond to their own sin? What are we to do with our sin? We all know the answer to that, put faith in the finished work of Christ upon the Cross. But, how many of us, despite knowing this, and despite doing it again and again, never seem to get free of condemnation and fear regarding our sin, not to mention our complete lack of victory over sin. What? Is Christ real or not? Why does our faith seem not to work? Now we will agree that Jesus Christ died for every sin we will ever commit. It is finished. This is the Gospel truth. And there is nothing, especially our sin, that can ever change this Truth. Yet the guilt, condemnation, or fear that we experience when we sin contradicts this Truth, right? In fact, we might say that everything about our natural makeup: emotions, psychic, and even our natural mind can seem to function contrary to this Truth. This Truth never changes, but so much in us cannot seem to flow with it. Indeed, there are times when we do not feel, sense, or think in a manner that flows with the Truth. We literally function whether we like it or not contrary to the Truth. Why does this happen? We are told in Romans 7 and 8. All of what I have just described those dimensions of our being that function contrary to the Truth are of the natural. And the natural "mind" in the natural man is contrary to the LORD. Indeed, is at enmity against God. We are told that those who are in the flesh cannot please God. The flesh cannot submit to God. We need to read that, see it, and believe it. Thus, all that we experience in ourselves that is contrary to the Truth is functioning exactly as God says it does. There is nothing unbiblical here. "That which is born of flesh is flesh and that which is born of Spirit is Spirit." (John 3:6). The Truth is all of this is the result of a faith that is in ourselves and not the LORD. We may never suspect this, but when we look for evidence in ourselves of the Truth then our faith is in ourselves. But we are looking for the spiritual man in the natural man. We are trying to find evidence of the Truth in that which God has already told us is utterly untrue. Christ in us is the only Truth we are going to find. And Christ in us is NOT US. What do I mean by that? Well, in this day and age we are more and more being taught that salvation is a matter of God doing things to us. Or a matter of God giving things to us. Or a matter of God imparting to us something that will make us better people. No! Salvation is not a THING, or something that God does to us. Salvation is Christ in us. And Christ is NOT US. You know at some point in our walk with the LORD we are going to have to, step outside of ourselves and step outside of how we feel, and outside of what we sense and ask: What is the Truth? We will find that the Truth is not determined by what we think it is nor is it determined by anything about us. The Truth is Christ. And the only way we are going to know the Truth is to know Him. Thankfully, God is working on that. What I am saying is this: The Truth is not found in us. It does not come from us. The source of all Truth is other than us and is completely outside of us. The Truth is found in Christ. Thus, if we want to know the Truth we have to know HIM. You have to have Christ formed in you. Then you will not only know Him and the Truth, but you will know what is NOT of the Truth. That is the only way to come through this matter. This is a matter of what governs us. If we do put our "mind" upon the Truth, then we will be walking in the Truth, for Christ has already died for our sin. You are simply putting your faith in Him. So we see that it is possible to set one’s mind upon the Truth – to rest one’s faith upon Christ even if everything else is presently in chaos. But do not turn this into a religious routine or a law to keep. Do not turn it into a "mind" game or an emotional condition. Oh no, it is more than all of that. This is a relationship with Christ in the Truth. I set my "mind" on things above because it is in keeping with the Truth in Christ to do so. It is the only way to walk in the Light. So when we speak of all of these matters of settings one’s mind or affections on things above, and when we talk of realizing that we must not lean upon our own understanding, it is vital that we understand that we are not talking about mental gymnastics. We are not talking about getting a psychoanalysis, or about figuring out what makes us tick. This is not about developing an emotional condition or about rousing up our imagination in a more healthy way. Rather, it is about seeing Jesus Christ. Nothing else will work. Only the true knowledge of God through Jesus Christ will do. And if we want to know how to know whether something is of us or of God, you will have to see Christ then you will know what is of Him. If we want to come to see the difference between our soul and Spirit Jesus Christ must be introduced. He will cut between the two. For hundreds of years Christian people have tried to fashion this or that system of laws, principles, and religious routine that is geared to getting us through to God. But in the end, Jesus simply said, "I am the Way." It is only through knowing Him and walking with Him solely on the basis of Christ in us that we can so much as get started. To walk in the Spirit, rather than the flesh, means to live upon the basis of CHRIST. This will mean that we will not live on the basis of our natural makeup. That won’t govern us. Neither will circumstances govern us. Rather, we will live according to Christ as we learn Christ. There is simply no other outcome of walking in the Light. Written by David Stahl

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

JOHN 3:1-16 FROM HGM ON 21 MARCH 23

1 "There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:"  Commentary: The wording and focus was on Nicodemus the man and not a Pharisee. Who unlike most Pharisees Nicodemus recognizes Jesus as a teacher like none have ever known. And he was a ruler of the Jews. 

2 "The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him."  Commentary: As a man and not a Pharisee he approaches Jesus. As we have seen in the past the Pharisees usually approach Jesus with guile and hatred always trying to trap Jesus. Nicodemus knew Jesus was from God and saw the miracles so he knew he was special. This meeting happened about a year after Jesus started His ministry time is needed for the harvest to ripen. Jesus saw this in Nicodemus. 

 3 "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."  Commentary: A double imperative, "Verily verily" which means there is no other way or the only way something can happen; John 12:24. Only those born of the Spirit can truly "see" (understand) what Jesus was saying about the kingdom. In the Greek Jesus said, except a man be birthed (born from heaven) from above he cannot see the kingdom of God. "The natural man receives not the things of God nor can they know them because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Corinthians 1:14) We know the kingdom of God is a heart condition that is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Roman 14:17) The people (like today) were not looking for the kingdom of God. The kingdom of Heaven is only used by Matthew in the NT 52 times. 

 4 "Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?"  Commentary: Nicodemus is confused by Jesus' analogy and reveals the darkness still in him, but darkness can be dispelled by revelation of which Jesus gives him. It is better being way off track and asking stupid questions, but have a love for the truth.

 5 "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."  Commentary: Another double imperative here. This time Jesus uses born of the water lifting us from the physical to the spiritual realm and drawing a difference between the two. The birth Jesus refers to is a birth into something not a birth out of something. Jesus was not talking about water baptism. Man stands outside of God's power and authority and lacks the ability to enter unless he is born of the "water" (water is used to designate the Holy Spirit. Water is used as the source and substance of Spiritual life. The Samaritan Woman in John 4:10) and of the "Spirit." "Water" and "Spirit" are one in meaning in the Greek. In Galatians 4:29 the birth is according to the "Spirit." So our new birth is out from and according to the realm of the Spirit. Spirit begets Spirit and so because we are birthed out from and according to the Spirit we are birthed into the Spiritual realm. 

6 "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."  Commentary: Jesus was telling Nicodemus his thinking is flesh and it can only produce flesh . Flesh produces flesh have it be a new born baby or a new born idea. Flesh produces beautiful products so there is a huge market for fleshly things. There is much spirit produced by the satanic spiritual realm. So, if you want to enter the kingdom of God and you are going to produce something it must be from the spiritual realm. No matter how correct, religious, and beautiful our corruptible flesh is it will not function in the kingdom of God. 

7 "Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again."  Commentary: Jesus encourages Nicodemus not to try to figure it out and reduce it down to a human understanding. "Born again" (birthed from above) is beyond the natural man's intellect and cannot be understood by the natural man. 

8 "The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit."  Commentary: Another mystery is introduced that of a person who has experienced this new birth from above. The mystery of the wind and mystery of the Spirit are similar. He now moves and lives as the spirit moves. He is characterized by the realm of the Spirit. In the presence of a natural man he is not understood because the wisdom in him is from above. The natural does not understand the spiritual so he persecutes it. 

9 "Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?"  Commentary: Nicodemus salvation lies in the fact that he knows he is still in the darkness and admits his ignorance. Still in darkness he tries to logically figure things out. Instead of receiving it with a child-like faith he stays on an intellectual level trying to understand eternal truths. Most Pharisees would never admit their ignorance. 

10 "Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?"  Commentary: Nicodemus had the responsibility to open up truth to many, but could not because he was not operating in the realm of the Spirit. It is amazing how religious leaders are so plugged into tradition and such limited spiritual insight many have. The Pharisees were no wrapped into tradition and function they could not get to God. So too today. 

11 "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness."  Commentary: Yet again another (third) double imperative. Jesus is really laying it all out to Nicodemus. Here Jesus addresses Nicodemus, but ascribes the fault of not receiving the testimony of the truth to the whole body of Jewish leaders. The "we" does not speak of people, but of the Father, the Son (Jesus) and the Holy Spirit. Also Jesus could be including the perception of the prophets of the OT and the perception of the Scriptures themselves. What we have seen applies to the witnesses: The Father, the Holy Spirit, John the Baptist and thus applies to all the witnesses who have the ability to see. The Pharisees have not received them. 

12 "If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?"  Commentary: Jesus tells Nicodemus the believing is in the truth He (Jesus) portrays and not to the lack Jesus is objecting. Jesus speaks in earthly terms every day parables. It was not they did not understand the parables, but they did not want to and resisted in believing what they understood. Jesus concludes by saying if they did not want to believe the earthly realm (pictures and images) how would it be possible for them to believe the heavenly realm? 

13 "And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven."  Commentary: We must remember the ascension of Jesus is in the future. Jesus was not talking about people who have ascended into heaven like Enoch or Elijah. Nor is He talking about Jesus (Himself) in an incarnation, nor is He talking about the Son of God leaving Heaven to be born of a virgin. Jesus was talking about God (in the person of Jesus) descending down to earth to commune with man. And as we ascend up into the heavenly in spiritually understanding we can descend with the things of God and give them to men. For Nicodemus to come out of His darkness he must ascend and then descend. 

14 "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:"  Commentary: Jesus was telling Nicodemus He (Jesus) must die on the cross. If there is to be a birth from above in him (or anyone else) He (Jesus) must die. "Lifted up" was a Roman way to describe crucifixion. So too in our lives. The way up is down. If we desire to go up into the heavenly spiritually we must die to our natural earthly fleshly realm. 

15 "That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life."  Commentary: The two track rail Jesus presents is His death and our faith. "Whosoever believeth in him" only those people who believe in the Gospel: the death, the burial, and the resurrection (all in the future) will receive eternal life. Salvation is for everyone, yet not everyone will receive salvation. By Him we live and are made righteous He had to be lifted up on the cross. 

16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."  Commentary: Here Jesus tells Nicodemus faith lays hold of eternal life just as it lays hold of everything else in God's provision for us. We must understand God wants us to have this eternal life now and not wait till we die. John 17:3 tells us life eternal is not living forever, but knowing God. The more we come to know God the more eternal life we will have. Our believing is to be alive and progressive. It is towards a person not a doctrine nor a benefit or denomination. All progressive faith is towards Jesus.