Tag: John 3:3
Boasting in Christ’s Cross
Scripture reading for August 22: Galatians 6
“But far be it from me to boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them and upon the Israel of God. From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.” Galatians 6:14-18
In our world, pride of life, position, wealth, or power brings boasting and toasting! Even religious leaders boast in their theological knowledge, good works, or unique favor with deity. Boasting often causes strife and violence. Sometimes it causes envy, jealousy and factions. That’s why Christ’s church has splintered into thousands of denominations and religious cults. This leaves many in confusion and disillusion about the church and its message of love, mercy and unity.
In Galatia, Jewish false teachers had insisted on circumcision for believers, adding another boast in their ‘obedience’ to the law. Paul taught the church that circumcision or no circumcision did not matter at all to God. In fact, all who were adding circumcision to their body were under a curse. No one circumcised or not can keep the law. (Galatians 3:10-11) What really counted was a ‘new creation’ (2 Corinthians 5:17) that came from faith in the work of Jesus Christ on the cross in dying as a substitute for our sins. Unless a person is born-again, they cannot see the kingdom of God. (John 3:3) Because of this, Paul stated that his only boast was in the cross of Jesus Christ where his sin nature was crucified with Jesus and he now considered himself crucified to the world. God’s grace was something to boast about! The marks of beatings, stoning’s and persecution testified to God’s mark inside of sonship through faith in Jesus and His work on the cross.
Have you ever been full of pride in something you have accomplished or that you possessed? Has boasting ever caused trouble in your life, either your own boasting or another’s? Can you identify with Paul’s statement of boasting in Christ’s cross?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for giving me something to truly boast about–Your sacrifice on the cross! May my life be marked by the cross and Your work on my behalf. Help me to live consistently dependent on Your grace and share Your mercy through the cross with a world full of boasting in itself.
Sunday Rest: Jesus Lifted Up!
Dear Friends,
Greetings in the Wonderful Name of Jesus Christ! Welcome to another day of rest in His finished work of redemption! It is at the cross that we find our rest with God and can enter into relationship with Him. The cross of Christ draws our attention and draws us Him.
In John 3, Jesus had an encounter with a prominent teacher of the Jews, Nicodemus. He came to Jesus by night to ask Him some questions. Nicodemus recognized that Jesus was a teacher sent from God and noted the miracles that He had done. Jesus told Nicodemus that no one could see the kingdom of God unless they were born again! (John 3:3) Nicodemus had trouble grasping how this might take place. He was thinking about natural birth and growth when Jesus told him about the Spirit bringing the second birth. Nicodemus asked him how this could take place and Jesus answered him with one of the most famous verses in the Bible. “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:14-16
Jesus used an incident in the life of Moses where the people were dying from a plague of poisonous snakes. Moses had prayed and God showed him what to do. He was to make a bronze serpent and put it on a pole and lift it up in the center of the camp. Any Israelite who was bitten could look at the bronze serpent in faith, believing that God would heal him and receive that healing. (Numbers 21:1-8) Jesus presented Himself as the One Who would be lifted up and all who looked at Him and believed, would be saved from the universal bite of the ancient serpent, Satan.
God’s great love for us motivated Him to send His Son to be lifted up for us! Jesus, Who knew no sin, was made sin for us that we might be saved. All who would believe on Him would be born again by the Holy Spirit. They would receive the gift of God’s heavenly Breath or Wind! What amazing truth comes as we contemplate the lifting up of the Son of Man!
Now God has lifted Him to the highest place! He is risen from the dead and ascended into heaven! He is praying and interceding for us today! We who believe are seated with Him and will enjoy eternal life!
In His Love, Pastor John