In the last year, my new friends Ron and Debbie have been transformed by the gospel — indeed, born again! Each has been give new life, like the brand new beautiful life of a newborn baby. Just as a baby cannot give himself life, neither can we give ourselves life. It is all of God.
But oh, coming through the birth canal was a struggle for Debbie and Ron.
Debbie used to complain in Bible study that she had a headache and couldn’t sleep at night. Ron seemed confused and angry. When I had them both over for dinner, I remember how Ron leaned across the counter and said sternly to me: “What you have been teaching my wife is not what I have heard in church all my life!”
I knew we were on holy ground, and I cried out for the Spirit of God to help us. For if you have been taught religion all your life, it is confusing to hear the simplicity of the gospel. Ron said,
“You have told Debbie that all she needs to do is to trust what Christ did at the cross and she will have eternal life.”
“Yes.”
Ron felt it was too easy. His hands were clasped together in tension on the counter. Moved with compassion, I covered his with mine and said: “That’s why they call it amazing grace.”
Torn between hope and incredulity, he asked, “So she doesn’t have to be good?”
I brought out the following sheet from Keller’s Gospel in Life and showed it to Ron. If the print is too small, you can go to this link:
http://bibledisciples.blogspot.com/2014/06/religion-vs-gospel-chart-by-tim-keller.html
That dear man read it over and said, “I guess I’m religious — so now what do I do?”
In time, God brought each of them out of the darkness of amniotic gloom and into the light. I’ll never forget the message I got from Debbie. She pulled her car over on the side of the road, for she was so overcome by God’s love, and then she texted me:
3:00 P. M.
South of Egg Harbor.
I get it!
I don’t have to do anything — do I?
Debbie’s conversion reminded me of Chuck Colsen’s, who had to pull his car to the side of the road as he wept to be overcome by God’s love. He went on to write his riveting story of Watergate and being born again, entitled: Born Again.
At a Christmas tea we had this year, Debbie shared her testimony, and wept as she told how she felt so loved at that moment — and how God helped her to understand that it was all of grace. And at his mother’s funeral, Ron shared that Jesus was his Rock, his everything!
Tertullian, an early church father, used a helpful word picture. He said that the gospel is ever-crucified between two thieves: religion (or legalism) and irreligion (or anti-nominism, meaning against the law). Think of being very very good (religion) or very very bad (irreligion). Both are ways of trying to be our own Savior.
This last Thursday night I was in a men’s prison/hospital ward with my friend Linda Strom, praying with the men. We saw all three ways of life. One man was so angry, having been in a foster home where they were legalistic, religious, and abusive. Linda kept saying, “But that’s religion — not Jesus.” Others were determined to go their own way, the way of irreligion. And then, there were beautiful men transformed by the gospel. One black man, dying of cancer, prayed over Linda and me, bringing us to tears, for the Spirit of Christ, and the love of Christ, flowed out of him to us.
This week we are going to look at a Pharisee, Nicodemus, who was living the way of religion. We will also look at the Samaritan woman, who was living the way of irreligion. And Jesus presented the gospel to each — and each were transformed. Each were given the new life that only comes through the Gospel.
We can easily err on either side (religion or irreligion) both in resisting Christ initially, but also, on an every day basis in living the Christian life.
In my life, when I doubt God’s love for me, because of my repeated failures, I am reverting to religion — thinking He loves me because I’m good. And when I give into sin — thinking I cannot be happy unless I do what I want, then I am reverting to irreligion — thinking my idols will fulfil me better than the Lord.
It is also important to know, in sharing our faith, that unless we dismantle that we are not talking about morality (religion) people will think that we are. Watch this five minute video from Tim Keller:
Sunday: Icebreaker
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
2. When you read over the sheet on the way or religion versus the gospel, how often do you veer into the religious column — and where?
Monday-Tuesday: Nicodemus — the way of religion
3. Read John 3:1-2. Who was Nicodemus, when did he come to Jesus, and who do you think he thought Jesus was, according to his words in verse 2?
4. I thought Nicodemus might have come earnestly seeking. Keller, in the free sermon this week, thought he came to try to get Jesus on the side of the Pharisees. What do you think, and why?
Whatever our motives, God can use them as part of His wooing. So many people have studied Christianity to try to disprove it, but instead, come to faith. I have a dear friend who went to a Billy Graham Crusade on a lark, to make fun of him with her friends — and was born again. The wind blows where it will.
5. Read John 3:3-8 and describe the discussion and Nicodemus’ confusion.
In verse 5, Jesus says we must be born of “water and the spirit.” I used to be confused about the water part — some have said it was baptism, but that contradicts the rest of Scripture that we are saved by faith alone. D. A. Carson clarified this for me so beautifully. (A Commentary of New Testament Use of the Old Testament.) He said — Jesus’ words to Nicodemus about water and the spirit are right from Ezekiel where God promises he will take our heart of stone and turn it into a heart of flesh. Ezekiel is not referring to baptism, but to the power of God to wash us and make us clean — and then put His Spirit with us:
I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.
Ezekiel 36:25-27
6. Ezekiel is prophesying about gospel power. Find everything the gospel has the power to do according to the above.
7. This is a process – if you have put your trust in Christ, in what ways do you sense a new heart and a new spirit within you?
8. One of the ways do avail yourself of this gospel power to overcome sin is to consider the pictures of the water and the Spirit. Come daily to the Lord to be washed, asking Him to search your heart for any sin with you. Then ask Him, through His Spirit, to renew a right heart in you.
We don’t know when Nicodemus was born again, but later his life his evidences that he was. Not only did he stand up for Christ against the Pharisees, but he, along with Joseph of Arimethea, cared for Jesus’ crucified body.
During the time of the Puritans, when someone “prayed the prayer” and asked if he was born again, the Puritans wisely responded, “We’ll see.” As Alistair Begg says:
Religion says we do good to gain favor with God.
The gospel says we already have favor, so we do good out of humble gratitude.
Wednesday-Thursday: The Samaritan Woman. The Way of Irreligion.
The way of irreligion is not to turn to rules and rituals for salvation, but to think that our idols can rescue us. They could be good gifts like athletic ability or food or children. The Samaritan woman had hoped men could rescue her — and then, she meets Jesus and the birth process begins…
9. Read John 4:1-30 and summarize what happened in a few sentences.
10. How have you looked to people to fill up the emptiness in your life or to rescue you? What have you learned?
11. What does the gospel promise, according to John 4:14, that religion and irreligion never can? What do you think this means? (John 7:37-39 will help.) How does this work in your everyday life?
12. I find the third point in the gospel versus religion chart relevant here. We obey in order to get God — to delight and resemble Him. I find when I obey, I experienced more of the living water because I am not quenching His Spirit. What do you think about this — agree or disagree?
13. What evidenced of a changed life do you see in the Samaritan woman?
Friday: Optional Free Keller Sermon
14. If you have time, listen and share your thoughts.
http://www.gospelinlife.com/sermons/the-new-birth.html
Saturday:
15. Give an example of how you have a tendency to revert to religion. What lie are you believing? Give an example of how you have a tendency to revert to irreligion. What lie are you believing?
16. What’s your take-a-way and why?
233 comments
I have to be honest seeing the babieS feet my mind went to today being the Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. I am so grateful for the Gospel Transformation I encountered later in life as the beginning of my life was more in religion.I had a period in my life of irreligion and went hard after idols. I was in a crisis pregnancy and aborted the life within me and then was held in the prison of my shame. But I was encountered by the gospel and born again, yet I still held myself captive. It was a process and I am thankful for the prayer and the encounter with Care Net that continued my journey to total freedom. My prayer is for those women in the church especially being held prison in their shame to be set free totally free!
Oh Liz – what a perfectly tender and timely example of the gospel working itself out in your precious life! You bless my heart so much.
Liz there are so many women who need to know the healing and grace you’ve laid hold of. Thank you for sharing this.
Liz,
Thank you for telling your story here. And we can be held captive by shame in so many areas of our lives. So grateful again this morning that He is our safe place.
Beautiful and life giving words, Liz. Your story says so much about the gospel. Bless you for sharing!
Oh Liz thank you. Reading this in airport and thanking God for you vulnerable and powerful testimony!
Liz, I, too, am grateful for your testimony and His Gospel transforming. Thank you.
Thank you all for your extension of grace to me:)
Oh Dee – “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Romans 10:15. As I read of Ron and Debbie’s conversion to Christ, my heart is filled to overflowing…..and I remember so well being the little 10 yr old girl whose parents were so very “religious”. And then…..they came to Christ and our lives were turned upside down! Nothing was ever the same. The joy in our household was incredible. Like a little sponge, I couldn’t help but absorb that my parents’ entire reason for living had become Christ – from which they never wavered until their homegoings to be with Him! Love the little Puritan snippet about whether or not someone who has “prayed the prayer” is truly a Christian…..”we’ll see”. How true that is.
Keller’s little video was invaluable. I can’t believe I’ve missed this obvious “3 different ways” idea before – but I guess that’s what makes good teachers so critical to the body of Christ! While my parents way had become the way of religion, my own path was the path of irreligion for many, many years. I couldn’t help but notice that you have posted Ezekiel 3:25-27 (I know, I peeked ahead!) and I so love these verses….how perfectly these words of Scripture describe the newness of life that Christ brings!
Once again, you’ve brought another feast to our table for this week, Dee! There is so much power in this topic – my prayer in this moment is that it will be like dynamite in our lives!
Amen to the dynamite!
Jackie. Another powerful testimony from one who has experienced all 4 ways!
What stands out to you from the above and why?
I love all of this! The Ron & Debbie story! The picture of the hands holding the plant, holding forth life, reminds me of this passage.
Phillipians 2:12-18
“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.”
You shine Dee, as a light for us. I like to imagine and pray for us, your blog pupils, as doing the same, holding fast to the word of life and shining it into the lives of those we influence.
The Tertullian word picture is a favorite for me.
The quote has helped me question my thinking, to hold it up to the light of scripture countless times.
I loved seeing a visual for it.
The dying prisoners prayer over you and Linda gave me chills.
Watching the video, seeing the people walking on the street as he talked made me think of Jesus saying the fields are white unto harvest, but the workers are few. I want to be better able to articulate the difference between the true gospel and religion.
Chris, the Philippians passage so blessed me, thank you.
What stood out?
This is all so very gripping this morning. Reading with tears.
I identify with your words, Dee: In my life, when I doubt God’s love for me, because of my repeated failures, I am reverting to religion.
So grateful for this blog format, Dee, and for the gathering of women here. What an encouragement this continues to be.
Oh YOU SHINE. Out of such a crucible of suffering
What stood out both in the above and in the “religious vs. Gospel” is that after being saved for almost 40 years, I am still falling into the “religious” side and have strayed from the acceptance of God’s UNCONDITIONAL love. Because of this, I am most likely to blame for my grown children straying away from the Lord. But I know the battle belongs to Him and in the end, He wins.
I am saved by grace alone. I pray to be brought to a place where His love overshadows and overwhelms me and my grown children.
Nurse Paige — so happy to see you here. Sorry I was so slow to approve your first comment — was in the prisons — so I pray you see this!
NursePaige–welcome! Praying this for you now, as you said “I pray to be brought to a place where His love overshadows and overwhelms me and my grown children.”
Hey Nurse Paige! Welcome! I’m also a nurse and I think we have at least one other woman on here who is.
Nurse Paige welcome! I too want to blame myself for my adult children’s straying. But I think it is what the enemy would want me to think and feel burdened with! And boy does it work. However If my children were walking strong in the Lord would I take credit for that? I shudder to think I would have a tendency to do that. All our adult children need our prayers. Bottom line is they too will have their own walk individually and my prayer is that my girls will grab hold of truth and who Jesus is in their lives personally for them in a way speaks to them so individually and personally nothing to do with me or anyone else and something that cannot be denied and they would say Jesus is MY GOD of whom I will follow with all my heart all the days of my life! At the same time I need to follow hard after Him and not allow where others are at to hinder my walk.
Liz, I love the last line in your comment… “At the same time I need to follow hard after Him and not allow where others are at to hinder my walk.” So true. I let my daughter’s apathy derail my own walk with God, feeling disappointment with self (one of my idols) and wanting control (another idol) over what my daughter should be like or do.
Welcome Nurse Paige! Glad you are here! and I resonate with this discussion as well. Especially (as Ernema said) with letting the disappointment over our children’s spiritual choices hinder our own walk. I got stuck there for awhile too. But, really, we have 4 grown children, 2 have made choices to follow other spiritual journeys that are not Biblical Christianity, (with great mutual love and respect for us, even so), one is whole heartedly immersed in Christian growth and ministry and my youngest is also still following after the Lord, though needs to be rooted and grounded more deeply. So….while it’s easy to blame myself, it’s also evident that I am not the One who is in control. And each person’s personality, choices and influences are different. We parented all of them basically the same way. My husband spent his youth, growing up in a very chaotic (and sometimes spiritually and emotionally abusive home) after his first 8 years were lived in a totally godless environment (two different families) AND the Lord has delivered him and lives in and shines through him in ways that can only say, ‘It is all by GRACE!’ We all need to remember that the story is not over yet and it is all by GRACE. Our lives and the lives of our children. I will still have my discouragements, so I need to say this and remember it myself! I think we have to encourage each other to take heart!
Welcome, Nurse Paige! I appreciate your comments as I am in the same boat. “I pray to be brought to a place where His love overshadows and overwhelms me and my grown children.” I love this prayer.
Welcome, NursePaige! So glad you have joined us.
Nurse Paige, I also want to welcome you to this Bible Study blog, and I am praying your prayer right along with you!
A link with a b & w version of the chart (for printing) plus a couple short videos of Keller talking about the difference between religion and the Gospel: http://www.hrfellowship.org/blog/post/religion-vs–gospel
Thank you, Renee!
What stood out to me & why:1) (Strange I know) — that Debbie said she had a headache. At 5:33 this morning (time on cell phone) when I was reading this I had a headache (but not from reading!). When I saw the drawing of the baby in the birth canal, I thought “that explains it; her head is being squished!”
2) I remember when Dee shared that she got the text message from Debbie and Dee sharing with him across the counter, but I either didn’t know or didn’t remember that her husband now knows Jesus, too.3) The man in prison, dying of cancer, who prayed.
4) “It is also important to know, in sharing our faith, that unless we dismantle that we are not talking about morality (religion) people will think that we are.” So clear & so much better than never saying anything!
the headache…….getting squished. At first I thought it was just a muse (and amusing!) and then it made me think! Yes, getting confronted with the truth that takes apart what we’ve always thought was true really can ‘squish’ our heads!
2. When you read over the sheet on the way or religion versus the gospel, how often do you veer into the religious column — and where?I struggle most in an area that seems to be a combination of a couple of them: “Threats to my self-image must be destroyed at all costs” — but it’s not necessarily when I am criticized (being criticized/evaluated is a daily part of my job). It’s when someone lies, either about me or someone else, and others have a pattern of believing lies. Then I look down on both the person who lies and those who frequently choose to believe that person.
Something about the chart that doesn’t make sense to me: “I obey to get to God.” This actually triggered some insecurity (ugh). Another version of the chart said “I obey to get God” I MAYBE like that a little better, but I primarily want to obey because I love Him. Being with Him is what changes me, but it’s not my obedience that gets me to Him. I don’t obey in order to be changed — I’m not very good at it. If either getting to God or getting God is contingent on my obedience, ouch! His grace is what brings me to him AND changes me.
The wording of that point stood out to me too, Renee. Would like to know more of what Keller meant by this. ‘to get to’ or ‘to get’ or???
In the airport reading this on cell phone thinking this is how Renee usually does it! A bit challenging. : )
Renee, I couldn’t help but think of Song of Songs 2:15 “Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom.” While our disobedience certainly cannot make us “lose God” I do think that our sin or disobedience can impede our fellowship with God. So I obey because I love Him and His love has transformed me but also to keep good fellowship with Him??
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? It strikes me that, though the truth has always been there, in the scriptures and in the teachings of the early Church fathers, Christians have distorted the message in various waves of teaching over and over. From Tertullian to Lewis to Keller, the message is repeated and yet I can think of so many times, as Keller says, I was taught there are ‘two ways’ to approach living; with or without God. Seeing clearly the 3 ways, makes not only theological sense but practical sense. I see this in others. And I see it in myself. The graphic from Tertullian’s teaching is so good as is Keller’s chart. I’m going to look up ‘The Three Mans’ by Lewis.
2. When you read over the sheet on the way or religion versus the gospel, how often do you veer into the religious column — and where? Before I read this question, as I was reading through the comparison chart again, I could see myself boldly. And in amazing timing. Just yesterday, I wrote what a ‘complete failure’ I felt. And it was because of disagreements and criticism I felt from my husband. It put me in a tailspin for most of Friday and Saturday. I was criticized (at least that’s how I took it) and it devastated me. (“I am a good person. How can I be so wrong? And how dare he treat me like this?”) and my self view went right to the ‘I’m a total failure’ place and I lamented…but not in a Biblical way….most of the day. Mostly just tears, anger, confusion. By Saturday evening, I was so exhausted, I sat outside on my deck (yes, it was 35 degrees and felt so good!) and breathed my only ‘real prayer’ all day. ‘Lord, please redeem this evening.’ When I came in and finished making dinner, I felt slowly, that things were going to turn around. And they did. Jesus redeemed my life from the penalty of sin at the cross. But, oh how I need Him to redeem me from the power of sin daily.
http://robieday.blogspot.com/2012/02/three-kinds-of-men-by-cs-lewis.html
Thanks, Jill! Was just going to google it. Glad I came here first!
Wanda – your words in your answer to question #2 are piercing. Different circumstances perhaps, but that sense of being a total failure and lamenting, but not in a Biblical way, is something I can relate to and have experienced. I find that maybe I even face this most often in a spiritual realm. I find myself overwhelmingly setback by the cold hearts of those I love (toward Christ) and the deaths of those I’ve been praying earnestly for, who, so far as I know, died without Christ. Of COURSE sorrow is appropriate.But sorrow can become the biggest thing in my life – an idol even! As though it is up to me – and not God – to redeem souls. His lovingkindness and faithfulness to me is beyond my comprehension.
Wanda,
Tears as I read your post on #2. I surely can identify with you. Thank you for posting.
Wanda I too can relate to your number 2. I have spent much of my life in the tailspin response to critisism in my life especially in my home i am learning who I am in Christ is so powerful and it is a walk that I am on, prayerfully growing in this daily. How much pain we can sit in if we allow it to keep us bound up. How crippling it’s effect if it is allowed to control us. I so loved your going out into the fresh air and asking the Lord to redeem your evening He is our redeemer! How beautiful of an example that was of what to do when we get in that place. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Dee, Jackie, Nila and Liz. Your empathy is such a boost to me.
And Jackie, your insight about sorrow becoming the biggest thing in life, perhaps even an idol, is something I was thinking just yesterday morning as I participated in a class on grief at my church. Sorrow, grief: all so appropriate and all so personal, all so timely and right and yet, maybe sometimes, it can be where we get ‘stuck’. You are all on my heart as I read your responses. So much pain, you have all walked though and some continuing daily. Prayers for peace.
Reaching out with a hug. So empathize
To Renee and Wanda on that chart I think it is a concise if awkward way of saying “to keep from quenching His Spirit and diminishing His presence”
Thanks, Dee 🙂
Yes. thanks. Good to ponder this.
thank you all for prison prayers. I am floating
Hallelujah!
Floating! (Will you even need an airplane to get you home?!? 🙂 )
Dee, thank you for sharing your blessings at the prison. What a beautiful way of engaging yourself in the gospel! Praise the Lord!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Since I have trouble understanding grace (I always think I have to be good) I believe the chart that shows the cross and Tim Keller’s video helps me understand it better. I want to believe that it’s just my acceptance of Jesus and trying to please Him that will “get me into heaven,” but being raised in church to not really understand the Gospel makes it difficult to change my behavior and thought pattern. I feel like I am slowly understanding better. Thank you Dee, for opening my eyes.
Regarding the religious versus gospel chart, I need to show it to my husband who also struggles in this area. I think I probably raised my kids to think they need to be good people also. Posting the chart in my home might help them realize differently. Maybe I can make up for all the wrong I’ve taught them….
Laura – I’m going to jump into the deep end of the pool here and ask you if your local church has solid biblical, gospel centered teaching? I only ask because you have mentioned the teachings of your church several times as being more of a good works bent. Maybe I’m misunderstanding, and it was only the church you grew up in that taught this way – and NO CHURCH is perfect, for SURE!!! The older I get, the more precious is the role of the local body of Christ – and good teaching is good food for the soul! Ideally, the churches we are a part of will be only fortifying our faith and dovetailing perfectly with what we are learning here on this study blog. If we are digging into the Scriptures here with Dee and then going to churches that teach us entirely differently, we WILL be confused! I think of Dee’s friend Ron saying to her that what she had been teaching his wife is NOT what he had been learning in church all of his life! It’s hard to even think of asking ourselves these questions sometimes…..
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? Oh so much! Far and away the biggest thing are the words “transformation” and “born again” over and over. I am sober and humbled this morning to remember that there was a time when those word invoked fear in my heart and not joy and peace. I used to think, “If only I could have that!” Now I read it and it is the fragrance of Christ, Him singing over me. I was struck by Dee’s words, “In my life, when I doubt God’s love for me, because of my repeated failure, i am reverting to religion – thinking He loves me because I’m good. And when I give into sin – thinking I cannot be happy unless I do what I want, then I am reverting to irreligion – thinking my idols will fulfill me better than the Lord.” Even as I swing the pendulum in my life, too, I am always called back through His Word to the sweetness of truth and grace. He is a magnet attracting me again and again to the foot of the cross.
This is a beautiful, timely lesson. The Lord is really taking me through some deep teaching lately. I don’t feel like I’ve been able to articulate it well, but it’s a very good place. Looking at Keller’s chart, I still tend towards wanting to be a “good person”, wanting to be seen as “nice”. I struggle daily with unkind thoughts, jealousy, insecurities—the idol of Self. I realize my greatest struggle is not because of my circumstances, but because of my sinful nature, my sinful response. It is not that I think I have to earn my righteousness, I really do know I am forgiven and loved, it is partly a real dislike of my sin, and mostly my approval idol. But I’m learning that sitting in my dislike of my sin only feeds the approval idol and keeps me looking for the next chance to ‘do better’. Sometimes even when I hear of heroes of the faith admit their struggle in sin, while I am comforted to know I am not alone, I recognize this desire in me to believe we can someday “stop” sin completely, on this side! I long to always love like He loves—fully, unselfishly. I am not satisfied with where I am—but I have hope of what He has committed to do in me. His promise of growth, that continues after our new birth—glimpses of this He graciously shows me amidst my daily falls.
And more and more, I am resting in the light and warmth of His forgiveness and love rather than my disappointment with myself. I rejoice that He is sovereign over my sin. I rejoice that He will use even my sin to make me more like Him. I rejoice that He welcomes my confession with open arms. As deep and dark is my sinfulness—deeper still is His mercy—and I am overwhelmed by this kind love of my Savior. In my struggle towards holiness, He wants me to lean more and more on Him–complete humility and constant dependency.
This from Spurgeon makes me cry every time: “There, poor sinner, take my garment, and put it on; you shall stand before God as if you were Christ, and I will stand before God as if I had been the sinner; I will suffer in the sinner’s stead, and you shall be rewarded for works that you did not do, but which I did for you.”
One last thing to share, we sang at Church today and I think it is fitting here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDSP4EVjm4o
I realize my greatest struggle is not because of my circumstances, but because of my sinful nature, my sinful response. It is not that I think I have to earn my righteousness, I really do know I am forgiven and loved, it is partly a real dislike of my sin, and mostly my approval idol.
What she said 🙂
This is so true for me as well.
So thankful this is growing in your heart, Elizabeth. Beautiful Spurgeon quyote.
I love this from you Elizabeth, I think you articulate it very well :)I relate to so much of it.
“Ah! sinner, remember this, there is no way on earth effectually to be rid of the guilt, filth, and power of sin, but by believing in a Saviour. It is not resolving, it is not complaining, it is not mourning, but believing, that will make thee divinely victorious over that body of sin that to this day is too strong for thee, and that will certainly be thy ruin, if it be not ruined by a hand of faith.”
Thomas Brooks
oh Chris–this was good “that body of sin that to this day is too strong for thee, and that will certainly be thy ruin, if it be not ruined by a hand of faith.”
thank you~
Elizabeth ~ Loved this: And more and more, I am resting in the light and warmth of His forgiveness and love rather than my disappointment with myself.
This is a beautiful, rich post, Elizabeth. We are all fellow sojourners, with the same struggles and insecurities. Thankful we do not travel alone…our Father has quite a “large brood” yet He will make sure we all arrive safely home.
I have been praying for you…thinking of you as you are on the jail…..so the story of the man praying FOR YOU made my heart sing! Some times the best gift you can give a person is to let them give a gift to you!
BEAUTIFUL
Thanks so much, Cyndi!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
I felt blessed by both of the Tim Keller items. The chart has been alluded to in the past, but I don’t think I ever saw the whole chart before — perhaps I blinked some time. In fact, I wanted to print the chart from the web site that Renee posted, but for some reason I couldn’t seem to download it. I will go back later and try again, sometimes it just a matter of timing. I also was struck by Tim Keller’s short video. What he said makes so much sense. I wish I had encountered this idea earlier — I might have been more successful in some of my attempted evangelism. I can see that it would be easy to be misunderstood if I don’t emphasize that I am inviting someone to Christ — not just to church/obedience/Pharisee-ism.
2. When you read over the sheet on the way or religion versus the gospel, how often do you veer into the religious column — and where?
Oh, I wouldn’t know how to count, but I’m sure it happens frequently. I know that Christ loved me so much that He died for me, and I know that I am forgiven of my sins through His grace. However, when you have been raised with an emphasis on being a good moral person and obeying God so as to avoid His wrath, then it takes time to apply that transformation of thought into transformation of action. I think the section of the chart that was referring to my self-view is where I am most vulnerable. When I am living up to my standards, my self-righteousness rises in the foreground, and I can behave like a Pharisee myself. When I am not living up to my standards, I can despair (forgetting grace!).
Thank you to Dee and Nanci for their supportive comments at the end of last week, when I was feeling down on myself for getting behind.
I want say I am looking forward to this week’s study. Both the story of Nicodemus and also the story of the Samaritan woman are among my favorites!
2. When you read over the sheet on the way or religion versus the gospel, how often do you veer into the religious column — and where?
I am ashamed to say I veer into all the religious items except for maybe one….hard to believe though; the one on my prayer life.
1. What stands out to you and why?
a. The story of Ron and Deb-the simplicity of the gospel but oh how much I would like to add more requirements to it (religion) and limits to it (I am not good enough)
b. The word picture from Tertullian-The cross -Jesus paid it all!
c. The medical term of “birth canal” and “amniotic gloom”-the reproductive system was our last chapter towards end of first semester. WE have watched the formation of the fetus in the womb which ended with delivery. I remembering winching just looking at the path the baby has to go through (I had a C-section for our only child so I did not go through the whole process). And speaking of the “amniotic gloom”-what a great parallel to the darkness that I was in until I was delivered out of it into the light of Jesus Christ! The “passage” has not been easy but I am thankful for the new life I have in Christ.
d. I noticed, too that the hands holding the baby’s feet was shaped like a heart. I remember helping deliver babies in the Philippines (or delivering two babies by myself!) and how once they are out, we as caregivers are so joyous, our hearts burst with love it did not matter they were not ours, how the babies looked like or how loud they cried! How much more is the heart of our God inclined to us sinners as we repent and turn away from sin!
2. When you read over the sheet on the way or religion versus the gospel, how often do you veer into the religious column — and where?
Self-image-It is critical that I think of myself as a good person. Or my identity and self worth are based on how moral I am. My self view swings between 2 poles as well-sometimes unsympathetic to those who fail and when I do fail, I get insecure and inadequate and feel like a failure. In fact, I think I veer through all of religion at one time or another. Gulp…The sheet made me more aware of how I have fallen short of the gospel many times. Thank you, Jesus for giving me many chances despite my failings.
Ernema ~ Thank you for putting words to this: My self view swings between 2 poles as well-sometimes unsympathetic to those who fail and when I do fail, I get insecure and inadequate and feel like a failure. In fact, I think I veer through all of religion at one time or another. Gulp…The sheet made me more aware of how I have fallen short of the gospel many times. Thank you, Jesus for giving me many chances despite my failings.
Me too.
This is off subject but I really want to share how awesome God was tonight at the series of meetings that I mentioned before. I know I shared a little about the unique racial climate of this area. Churches are very divided on racial lines and their worship different. When I went to the first meeting I did not care at all for the worship I experienced. I decided it simply was not for me and that I would not be back. But as we filed out, the love of those people spoke to me. They genuinely loved me. I have gone back as I was able and I can see that they are truly experiencing visitation from the Holy Spirit. The altar is open and so crowded you can’t even find a spot. Tonight this African-American pastor spoke about racism and how we can’t hate our brethren and call ourselves a child of God. He asked us to find someone of another race, take their hand and ask for forgiveness for our own sin and the sins of our fathers. I was absolutely amazed by what transpired in that church. The brokeness and love was greater than anything I have ever seen. I held a woman who just sobbed. Another came to me and spoke a very long apology and I wanted to interupt with my own repeatedly. One after another, we just loved one another. I saw flashes of light so I know that pictures were taken and I am so glad. What a sight to behold! When everyone was back in their seats, clapping began in a cadence that went with no song. The pastor called for his dancers because this joy was coming from the Spirit. They came up and someone came with a flag. How joyful it was! God has visited Raleigh NC tonight!
Sounds like a revival taking place Anne and seeing how you worked thru things you had struggled thru the first night. The love drew you back and you were able to return and see this at this meeting. Thanks for sharing!
This was beautiful to read, Anne. Must have really had an impact on everyone there because I feel moved just reading about it. Wow. Truly amazing.
Anne, what sweet balm love and forgiveness provides driving out bitterness, resentments, etc. bringing reconciliation and restoration…truly lovely…YEAH GOD!
Love this Anne! Especially the dancing 🙂
YEAH GOD! Absolutely!
last night a Korean man prophesied. He just stood up in the middle of the congregation. So powerful! Basically He said “Tell my people to go out and tell them!”
Laura the dancing and flags were beautiful. It is so good that you can do that!
tonight is the last night and supposed to be a celebration. We are hoping there will be announcement of further plans.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
This study is going to be so so wonderful. It is hard, once again, to pick one thing that stood out. Ron and Debbie’s testimony melts my heart and the man in prison with cancer who prayed over Dee and Linda-BEAUTIFUL! I also really loved Keller’s chart.
2. When you read over the sheet on the way or religion versus the gospel, how often do you veer into the religious column — and where?
I would say the last one..making good things ultimate things-idolatry. I know I have veered into that when whatever it is is taken away and I respond by getting anxious or depressed-to the extreme. For example, and I am still processing. Last Friday at work in the kitchen was horrible. I am not allowed to talk about it online..it was just horrible. My response was to go through a mild depression over the weekend which told me I placed this person and my job as ultimate in my life. So while the pain from this person is still there-HE came as such a balm ministering to me through our pastor yesterday morning and then last night in our community group starting Idol Lies-just sharing our hearts and seeing Him move in hearts-He so often comes through His body! I can’t explain it but His peace came. He loves me-He is my approval, He is the lover of my soul and He has this.
Really a person trying to hurt me isn’t worth fretting over when I have the King of Kings, creator of the universe, the one who with his breath can take down a nation. The one who commands the sun not to shine, who stretches out the heavens and walks on the wild waves of the sea; who pursued me, died for me, who ravishes me and loves me to the sky..Who is beautiful beyond description. How can I allow a person to be the ultimate in my life over God-the one and only true lover of my soul.
The other aspect is forgiveness as well as setting boundaries with this person. Our pastor reminded me again about the Gospel being upside down, and so knowing He forgave me in my mess of a sinful heart I too can forgive her and I have, so I can go to work tomorrow and walk in confidence that He has this. Because of his kindness to me how can I not be kind to her yet I am also going to set boundaries.
Sorry you are having a terrible time at work, Rebecca. I will be praying for you. So glad God came to you with his balm, reminding you of Who He is.
Rebecca, your post has really helped me remember who I need to focus on; the one who “ravishes me to the sky!” Thank you Rebecca! I will pray for your peace at work. Hugs (( )) sister!
Rebecca thanks for sharing. I can relate for different situations. Can I ask what does setting up the boundaries look like? That is if you can further explain online. If not I understand:) I have always found praying for the person I am struggling with as I am sure you do too to be so powerful. It usually causes me to see them thru a different set of eyes. With that being said I believe the boundaries arE so important as if you do not you are allowing someone to keep repeating hurtful behaviors and enabling them to act the way they may be acting or treating you. That is not helping them to grow. a big challenge in the midst of this especially in a day to day enviroment is to remember who we are in Christ and not in the interaction of the difficult person we may be encountering. Not easy!
Ihe verse about being born by water in by spirit must have a lot of different interpretations! I always thought that the being born by water was being physically born by your mother talking of the amniotic fluid. So I guess I have a lot to think about since what I thought I wasn’t what Dee thinks or what kellar think
s. Not that I’m really worried about it, being born of the Spirit is the one that really matters and that one we all agree on 🙂
I don’t really understand the Jewish hierarchy and how it worked. Now a rabbi is A teacher of the law to the people, but back then there were Pharisees and I’m assuming that they were like the Jewish priests of the day. So I’mnot sure what Nicodemus meant when he called Jesus rabbi. Looking forward to reading your comments.
Cyndi and Dee, I too always thought that the “water” represented our physical birth ? Will ponder this some more.
I have always thought that being born by water was referring to baptism (and for me, that means immersion). I have never (until this moment) even entertained the thought that it meant coming from amniotic fluid. My Bible commentary (CEB) also says that water “probably refers to water baptism.” However, I agree with Cyndi that baptism by the Spirit is what is most important, and we all pretty much concur on that. .
Cyndi — good thoughts to make us ponder. I always thought that too, about the two kinds of births — yet the quote from Ezekiel has convinced me. But, as you say, the important thing is to be born of the Spirit.
Keller said he called him Rabbi because at that point he thought of him as just a teacher — didn’t realize who he was. Interesting…
We have a new member — Nurse Paige — I was slow to approve her because of being in prison — she’s many comments up so welcome her please!
Thank you, everyone, for making me feel welcome! I am new in my nursing career, so I work a lot right now and may fall behind in this study. I appreciate all of your thoughts, prayers and very wise comments.
3. Read John 3:1-2. Who was Nicodemus, when did he come to Jesus, and who do you think he thought Jesus was, according to his words in verse 2?
Nicodemus was a Pharisee who questioned Jesus. He came at night because he didn’t want anyone to know he was visiting. He thought Jesus was an affiliate of God because of the miracles He performed.
So funny, I dance to a piece called Witness, which is an old spiritual. In the piece there are several witnesses obviously, and one is Nicodemus. It’s funny because I can’t read this scripture without singing the song in my head. I’m not really keen on this version of the song but it’s the best one I could find of the version I like. Here it is for you to hear.
http://youtu.be/HmLUHgIewH8
WITNESS
Oh Lord , what manner of man is this?
All nations in him are blest,
all things are done by his will;
he spoke to the sea and the sea stood still,
Now, ain’t that a witness for my Lord?
Ain’t that a witness for my Lord? (2 v)
My soul is a witness for my Lord.
Now, there was a man of Pharisees,
His name was Nicodemus and he didn’t believe.
The same came to Christ by night.
Wanted to be taught out of human sight.
Nicodemus was a man who desired to know
How a man can be born when he is old.
Christ told to Nicodemus as a friend,“Man you must be born again.”
He said “Marvel not, man, if you wonna be wise,
Repent, believe, and be baptized”.
Then you’ll be a witness for my Lord
You’ll be a witness for my Lord (2v)
My soul is a witness for my Lord.
Now you read about Samson, from his birth
The strongest man that ever lived on earth,
‘way back yonder in ancient times
he killed ten thousand of Philistines
Then old Samson went wanderin’ about;
Samson strength was never found out
Till his wife sat upon his knee.
She said: “tell me where your strength lies, if you please”.
Now, Samson’ wife, she talk so fair,
Samson said, “cut off my hair,
shave my head just as clean as your hand
and my strength will become like natural man”.
Old Samson was a witness for my Lord.
Samson was a witness for my Lord. (2v)
My soul was a witness for my Lord
There’s another witness for my Lord (3v)
My soul is a witness for my Lord.
Loved the song, Laura. What a voice! I also loved that when he forgot the words, he calmly re-grouped and began again! Great song.
4. I thought Nicodemus might have come earnestly seeking. Keller, in the free sermon this week, thought he came to try to get Jesus on the side of the Pharisees. What do you think, and why?
I think he was more curious in Jesus and who he was. So I agree with you Dee.
5. Read John 3:3-8 and describe the discussion and Nicodemus’ confusion.
The confusion was being born twice. Nicodemus didn’t understand that to be born again he just had to change his frame of reference. Jesus wasn’t speaking of fleshly birth. He was speaking of spiritual birth.
3. Read John 3:1-2. Who was Nicodemus, when did he come to Jesus, and who do you think he thought Jesus was, according to his words in verse 2?
Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a Jewish leader. He says he believed Jesus to be a teacher who has come from God. He says that he knows Jesus comes from God because Jesus is able to do miraculous signs.
4. I thought Nicodemus might have come earnestly seeking. Keller, in the free sermon this week, thought he came to try to get Jesus on the side of the Pharisees. What do you think, and why?
Well, I will be interested to hear what Keller has to say, because up to this point I would agree with you, Dee. I base this in part due to the fact Nicodemus came by night to see Jesus. I got the impression that Nicodemus would not have liked the rest of the Pharisees to know he had gone to see Jesus all by himself. If Nicodemus was going to get Jesus on the Pharisees’ side (which I don’t know how he would have done that), there would not have been a need for secrecy. I don’t believe the Pharisees were wanting to get Jesus on their side — they were enjoying baiting and debating Jesus. They wanted to get rid of Jesus, not get Him on their side. So now, we will wait and see what Keller says. 🙂
Read your comment after I wrote, Deanna. I like how your think….makes sense to me! I guess we’re in suspense until we hear the sermon 🙂
4. I thought Nicodemus might have come earnestly seeking. Keller, in the free sermon this week, thought he came to try to get Jesus on the side of the Pharisees. What do you think, and why?
Hmmm. Well, like others, I’ll be waiting to hear Keller’s exposition. I think Nicodemua was sincerely wanting to talk to Jesus to have his questions answered and coming at some potential cost to his reputation. But, I guess that’s mostly just a ‘gut feeling’ or maybe an impression from hearing the interpretations of others over the years (as I learned last week in thinking about Jesus’ response to Mary). But if he wasn’t sincere then, it certainly seems he was sincere at the end of Jesus’ life when he helped Joseph A. bury Him. I would think that from the Pharisees standpoint, that would have really been a disreputable thing for him to do, so it seems there was no reason for him to do that, but love and obedience to the One He knew had redeemed him. Oh…and looking up his name, I see that he also argued for fair treatment of Jesus in John 7, even though he was still among the Pharisees. Interesting.
Something that I noted when I read John 3, is that Jesus answers Nicodemus with “We speak of what we know and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony.” What surprised me here, is that Jesus uses the pronoun ‘WE’. Is He referring to Himself and His disciples? Or to the Trinity? Or???? (Maybe he uses ‘WE’ in other conversations, but I can only think of others where He says ‘I am the way’, I am the bread of life’ etc. )
Great observation and question, Wanda. From other passages, I’d lean toward the Trinity. Wow.
I feel so far behind. I have been offline for the last couple of days and probably will not be able to participate much as we are having issues with our Internet. I love the story of Ron and Debbie. It is always so amazing to see a life transformed by Jesus. I see there are many comments already and hope you all have a good week of learning.
4. I thought Nicodemus might have come earnestly seeking. … What do you think, and why?
I think that Nicodemeus came sincerely, earnestly seeking. Nicodemeus came privately to speak with Jesus, under the cloak of darkness, in secret. He professes to Jesus his belief that Jesus is from God and his awe of what he has seen Jesus do. I sense Nicodemus having a great respect for Jesus. Perhaps this view is prompted by later text that tells us that Nicodemus is one of the two from the Sanhedrin that bury Jesus and his providing of burial spices used for Jesus’ burial. I will be interested in hearing what Keller sees that gives him a different impression.
6. Ezekiel is prophesying about gospel power. Find everything the gospel has the power to do according to the above.
– sprinkle clean water on you
– clean you from all your uncleannesses
– cleanse you from your idols
– give you a new heart
-put a new spirit (God’s spirit) within you
-remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh
– cause you to walk in His statutes and be careful to obey His rules
Answering 6 & 7—Love the power of the Gospel shown here in Ezekiel. This power to cleanse from ALL uncleannesses, and from ALL idols. He cuts out my old stoney heart, and put new life in me. I love too Titus 3:5—again, the cleansing power—“He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit”. This new Spirit within me is what draws me to Him—it is what causes me to have the desire I do to follow, to obey, to honor Him. This love I feel for Him, and from Him—is evidence that He has given me this soft—yes, play-dough heart, that longs to be held in His hands, broken, and re-shaped, over and over into His likeness. His Spirit is what opens my eyes to my sin, and brings me to my knees. And on my knees, I remember the Cross—the moment my Advocate stood in my place and paid the debt once and for all. My sanctification, a process—my salvation, my new heart—done. So thankful.
Elizabeth-may I add your love for others? So much a mark of His Spirit in you! :))
Elizabeth,
What a wonderful picture you create of our soft “play-dough” hearts – that He holds to re-shape into His likeness!
6. Ezekiel is prophesying about gospel power. Find everything the gospel has the power to do according to the above.
The gospel can clean from uncleanliness and idols, give us a new heart and spirit, remove my heart of stone and make it a heart of flesh, and He will help me to walk in His ways with His laws.
7. This is a process – if you have put your trust in Christ, in what ways do you sense a new heart and a new spirit within you?
i am a person who is less likely to judge others since I have fully accepted my Savior. I am trying to be a more patient, kind understanding person to those who try my patience (my adult children), and I think I am way more pleasant to be around generally speaking. I want others to “see” Christ through me; my actions and persona. You are right Dee, it is a process, and I fail over and over again.
Welcome to you Nurse Paige! Sorry I missed your post until this morning. So glad you have joined us!
Thank you. It is a pleasure to be a part of this wonderful study.
Good morning Nurse Paige! So good to have you with us! :))
Yes! Welcome Nurse Paige! Make sure you look up above at your original comment – many responded to you there. =)
2. When you read over the sheet on the way of religion versus the gospel, how often do you veer into the religious column – and where? Daily. =/ Usually the first two. The habit of “being good to be accepted” is so engrained in me. I was convicted of this in my reading, John 12:42-43, “Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.” I do see change in my heart, He is giving me His eyes to see His people and there is compassion there that was obligation before.
3. Read John 3:1-2. Who was Nicodemus, when did he come to Jesus, and who do you think he thought Jesus was, according to his words in verse 2? “A teacher come from God.” A prophet most likely?
4. I thought Nicodemus might have come earnestly seeking. Keller, in the free sermon this week, thought he came to try to get Jesus on the side of the Pharisees. What do you think, and why? Because Nicodemus came at night it seems as though he is being sneaky, though why I do not know. I think that because there isn’t a “happy ending” (Nicodemus doesn’t profess anything in the passage as most usually “believe.”) that perhaps I may agree with Keller, but I can see how Nicodemus might have been seeking as well. It may all have been the wooing of the God.
6. Ezekiel is prophesying about gospel power. Find everything the gospel has the power to do according to the above.
The Gospel has the power to give me new life in Him and to give me a tender and teachable heart willing to let Him cut at the stones. He gave me a tender heart-wow, I have nothing to do with that. Grateful! 🙂 He gives me the Holy Spirit so that He can help me to obey Him. He gives me everything I need for living a godly life-2 Peter 1:3.
7. This is a process – if you have put your trust in Christ, in what ways do you sense a new heart and a new spirit within you?
One way is hating my sin nature and not being blind to it like I was before He put His Spirit in me. There is a wrestling there that wasn’t there before. There was a guilt for sin before I put my trust in Him but not a disdain for it like I have now. I have to include that behind the disdain for my sin lies this desire not to hurt Him..how can I after what He did for me to have me because He passionately loves me..Even when I sin knowing I have hurt him and then try to justify it-because I have done that too..another mark of His Spirit is He presses on my heart and pursues me when I am justifying it, pressing harder through His spirit and His Word and melts me to repentance. This is just one way I sense His spirit..there are other ways-in conversations with people, when I meet another believer and our hearts jump inside-that is Him in us. Since He opened my eyes in Idol Lies I am very sensitive to my idols now..and also humbled, yet grateful He is chopping away at them and loves me and thankful I am covered in His Righteousness when I see a fraction of what a true mess my heart really is. I am filled with hope for He is making me new with each painful awakening to my wicked heart, and in the future when we are face to face-yes. 🙂
7. This is a process – if you have put your trust in Christ, in what ways do you sense a new heart and a new spirit within you?
I sense release of bitterness and resentments and replacement of love and understanding. Often in the past, I would re-live situations and interactions in my mind allowing the fires of bitterness and resentment of past hurts and disappointments to be fueled. My heart lacked gentleness and had a tendency for judgment; there was little or no mercy in my heart at these times, typically thoughts of revenge or “just consequences” prevailed. Today, I can see that a change has taken place; a transformation is in process. I don’t condone clearly wrong actions, but I can see that only the Lord knows the full/whole story. I don’t know what might have influenced choices, what pressures may have encouraged actions, etc. I can see more easily that we all (including self) make poor choices and take the evil one’s bait falling into his trap. I guess bottom-line is that I cut more slack to others…my heart is more loving and forgiving knowing that I am only knowledgeable of just a snippet of what makes someone tick, there is so much more that dictates choices and actions that I am unaware of…the whole “walk a mile in your brother/sister’s shoes” idea.
Welcome Nurse Paige!
Nanci, this is good. I have seen something similar in my own heart – a difference in how I see people. Understanding as a response, yes, not to excuse or justify sin but to love the person behind it.
Nanci–this is so good “Often in the past, I would re-live situations and interactions in my mind allowing the fires of bitterness and resentment of past hurts and disappointments to be fueled…Today, I can see that a change has taken place; a transformation is in process.”
You have a beautiful heart, I see such compassion, other-centeredness, and unconditional love–so thankful you are with us~
Nanci, this is so true that “a transformation is in process” – I used to be so judgmental of others and how they lived their lives – but as I am being transformed daily into His image, I am filled with love and compassion and want to be a part of their lives and show them the kindness of God that leads to repentance, instead of condemning them.
Thank you for your sweet encouragement, Jill and Elizabeth…I am so thankful for the Lord’s patience and perseverance in this process; I so yearn for a gentle, loving heart.
5. Read John 3:3-8 and describe the discussion and Nicodemus’ confusion. So, now I think Nicodemus was seeking, perhaps subconsciously, but God’s hand was on him in this conversation. Jesus said to him, “…and you hear its sound…so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Was Jesus including Him in those born of the Spirit? Being wooed by God and His wind? These are the times I wish I had gone to seminary or at least spoke Greek. =)
In the discussion Nicodemus doesn’t ask any question of Jesus to begin, just states that he knows Jesus is from God. But Jesus launches into talking about being born again. Perhaps addressing what Rosaria addressed as the “core issue” of every human – unbelief. Though Nicodemus knew Jesus was of God, he didn’t yet “believe.” ?? The more I read this this morning the more questions are coming to mind…
I also thought being born of water was a physical birth since Nicodemus was speaking of entering a mother’s womb again.
Jill…..Thanks for raising the good question about ‘was Nicodemus being wooed and responding to hearing the Spirit?’ ‘you’ hear it’s sound. A personal ‘you’ or a general ‘you’? As you said, I wonder what the original words mean. It’s always been my ‘gut feeling’ that he was hearing the Spirit because of the subsequent passages about him. The plot thickens in my mind, through these questions and discussions.
I used to think born of water was physical birth until I compared it with Ezekiel. And when I think about it, of course we have to be born physically to be born again — doesn’t seem necessary to say. But it does seem necessary that we need to be cleansed and received His Spirit.
Hello everyone…I am still “here”…but behind…I’ve finished week one and am about to begin week two! I’m also beginning a Bible study in Proverbs at my church, so it’s just hard to keep up. First week’s lesson was very impactful. Reflecting more on the opening of John where Jesus is called the “true light” means that there must be “false lights”, too. They look good but they deceive and lead into darkness. Jesus, the True Light, always leads us the right way, into the light so we don’t stumble and fall. I also want to thank all who have been praying for my brother-in-law…he has a long, long road of recovery ahead.
Yes, so good to see you today, Susan! Prayers continue for your brother-in-law. There must be a longing for at least a place of some kind of stability and even ground in the long road ahead, as it seems to be so uphill right now.
So good to see you here sweet sister–“the True Light, always leads us the right way, into the light so we don’t stumble and fall.” amen!
Susan It is nice to have you posting:) Not sure of your brother in law must have missed that, Pray everything is okay.
Susan, such a good point about the True Light and the potential for false lights.
Continuing to pray for your B-i-L…thankful that he is on the road to recovery and healing.
Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a ruler of the Jews who came to Jesus by night (in secret), thinking Jesus was a Rabbi, a teacher from God.
Jesus knows the intent/motive of our heart – he knew why Nicodemus came to him – whether Nicodemus was sincere or trying to get Jesus to side with the Pharisees. Jesus tells him he must be “born again” – Nicodemus can only understand the human part of being born again, but Jesus, in His kindness, leads Nicodemus to the Truth of being born of the Spirit.
The gospel has the power to cleanse us, free us from everything that hinders us, gives us a new heart and a new spirit. It removes our hearts of stone cold selfishness and gives us living, beating, caring, warm hearts of selflessness. We are transformed by the gospel because the Holy Spirit is in us and causes us to choose the path of God’s will.
I sense a new heart and spirit within me when I delight to do His will and to be pleasing to Him, not because I can earn anything, but because of His Spirit within me and my longing to be like Him and to draw near to Him.
Nurse Paige–love this “I sense a new heart and spirit within me when I delight to do His will and to be pleasing to Him, not because I can earn anything, but because of His Spirit within me and my longing to be like Him and to draw near to Him.”
Really thankful He has brought you here with us!
Welcome Nurse Paige again..:)) So glad to have you with us and so love your post in how you brought out that The Gospel takes our selfish hearts and makes them other centered-so good.
Susan – so happy to see your smiling face here this morning! It strikes me as profound that you have mentioned Jesus being the true light…..implying that there are “false lights”. I think that is precisely what we are looking at this week in our study – religion!! Religion to me exemplifies false lights. It can look so good and be so very palatable. And yet it is dead and leads us to death. Only in Jesus the true light is there LIFE.
Thankful that your brother-in-law has the surgery behind him and can now move forward.
3&4: Others have well covered who Nicodemus was and the fact that he came secretly to Jesus, by night. Interesting. Also, using the term “Rabbi” seems a bit off to me – is it possible it was even a tad sarcastic?? Or was it simply a respectful greeting filled with portent? Was Nicodemus trying to distinguish between he and his learned colleagues and Jesus – the “uneducated Rabbi”?? I feel like in a way he’s laying down the gauntlet by beginning as he did…..”we KNOW that you are a teacher come from God….” I truly think there is still a remnant at least of Nicodemus feeling that he and his fellow Sanhedrin members are “in the know”! THEY are the ones who will determine whether or not Jesus is sent from God. Then Jesus opens his mouth and turns it all on it’s head! He speaks words that seem like nonsense to this learned man!! Later on, in verse 10, Jesus says “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things?”. Obviously, all throughout this passage Jesus is telling Nicodemus that he he only THINKS he knows! And in v. 11, (sorry, getting way ahead….) Jesus says HE is the one (along with the Father and the Spirit) who KNOWS….and the religious leaders do not receive their testimony. Jesus is still placing Nicodemus among his fellow unbelievers – religious or not!! But, oh, the seeds that were planted that night!! I LOVE that Scripture tells us that Nicodemus joined Joseph in caring for the body of Jesus after his crucifixion. (John 19:39&40). I believe that Nicodemus had come to love Jesus and to identify with Him no matter what the cost. How wondrous.
Good insights, Jackie. I am gleaning so much from reading different interpretations and thoughts from others here. (oh and good vocab word. I had to look up ‘portent’ 🙂 ) What SO strikes me in all of our wondering, is that whether it happened during this event, or at any point thereafter, Nicodemus was transformed. His life bore credible ‘witness for His Lord’ (thinking of the song Laura posted) when he stood up for Jesus in Chapter 7 and cared for His body in Chapter 19. I remember when I first saw this progression many years ago, as I saw an Easter week production of a play whose main characters were Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. Of course, there was some poetic license in portraying the lives of these two men, but I remember coming home and reading John to verify what was written. Nicodemus story is such a hopeful testimony.
You are picking up on what Keller saw…
Jackie all of what you say really impacts me here. Thank you for translating the verses so well!
2. When you read over the sheet on the way or religion versus the gospel, How often do you veer into the religious column — and where?
As for me, I do sometimes struggle with fear and insecurity, feeling I am “not enough”. I do often believe the lie that my life should be comfortable. I know it is not true, but the pull is strong. I frequently have a low self-esteem. I do avoid criticism and have been devastated in the past by criticism. For me the way of religion leads to great shame because I CANNOT DO IT.
Yet slowly, slowly I am learning deep in my soul that I do not need to live in shame any more. Jesus came, though he was King of Kings and lived not just a humble life, but in SHAME. An illegitimate child from the back-water of Galilee, a place considered unclean because of its association with the Gentiles. Yet he embraced his lowliness, associating with the poor, the outcast, the sinners. He was misunderstood by almost all most of his life – mocked by family and deserted by even his friends at the end. He died the lowest kind of death, a disgrace-filled death of crucifixion. Why would the Greatest of the Greats, the Most Holy God of the universe do this? He did it for me. So that the worst that I have done and that has been done to me does not matter. I do not need to live in shame. I am loved, honored beyond imagining because I am the bride of the King of Kings.
I have been slowly reading a book by Edward T. Welch, (2012-04-30) called “Shame Interrupted: How God Lifts the Pain of Worthlessness and Rejection.” This part of it (Chapter 12) has been stunning to me, though I have heard it all of my life. Here is just a snippet, though the whole book is worth a read, especially if you struggle with shame.
Diane – 2 Corinthians 12 speaks so much about weakness. Your post drew me back to look at that chapter of Scripture again. The little, oh-so-well-known phrase that the Lord speaks to Paul reminds me so of you, Diane: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” I cannot even pick out one specific part of your post – it is all pure gold! You speak of your shame and weakness…..but what I read here is pure WINE from the crushing of the grapes in your life. You do remind me of Paul in this: “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” You have turned our eyes to look upon Jesus. The life He lived is NOTHING like what the world tells us to aspire to…..and we often cave to the world’s pressures……we can get sucked into wanting a NICE LIFE. NOT a life that is a crushing…..that sweet wine can pour out into other’s broken hearts and worlds. Forgive us Jesus for our haughty hearts…..forgive us for wanting so much “else” besides you…..nice things, peaceful days and good relationships……You alone are enough.
Thank you, Jackie, for the kind words. Your picture of the WINE brings tears. That is what I want to be sweet wine to be poured out for Him into others’ broken lives. Do you know the song “Broken and Spilled Out”. It was a popular Christian song long ago but it is one of my favorites. It is about the spilled out perfume with which a woman poured on Jesus’ feet.
Diane and Jackie–WOW. Just coming on now and finding the combination of your posts right now–just streaming tears. Diane, your beautiful humility–and Jackie, this pierced my heart “we can get sucked into wanting a NICE LIFE. NOT a life that is a crushing…..that sweet wine can pour out into other’s broken hearts and worlds. Forgive us Jesus for our haughty hearts…..forgive us for wanting so much “else” besides you…..nice things, peaceful days and good relationships……You alone are enough.”
I am humbled by you both and so ministered to by your words of truth–so thankful to “know” you both 🙂
Yes, Diane. I agree with Jackie. This post is pure gold. How eloquently you described Jesus, our supreme example. It makes me question why I ever think that other’s opinions of me or their criticism makes me spiral downward. But, yet I do. Thank you for sharing your struggle. Your words help me today.
I am glad my words were helpful to you, Wanda. Thanks for being so kind. I sense many of us struggle with similar issues.
Kathy Keller told Tim that his job was to make the penny drop — the gospel is in believers but he needs to keep shaking “the coke machine” until the penny of gospel love drops. I see it dropping in you!
I so love the thread of conversation here from Diane and ensuing responses. What power there is in vulnerability among sisters! I am not alone in my struggles, I said to myself. But this awareness is brought about by seeing others reveal of their deep inner selves. Thank you, Diane.
Lord, Jesus, Master and Lord you were indeed broken and spilled out, just for love of me… of us. “In sweet abandon, Lord you were spilled out and used up for me.”
Dee, thanks for the penny drop story.
I have been struggling with Religion vs The Gospel over the last – decade? – has it been that LONG? I gave my life to Christ as a teenager – and struggled with a family that was very imperfect – my father quit going when the church redecorated and removed the hearing devices he needed to be a part of the service – he was deaf in on ear! My mom put up appearances as best she could – the number of times I watcher her ‘grin & bear it’ as other’s expected ‘their way’ was heart breaking. The importance of Family was stressed – but family does not SAVE! The importance of community was stressed – but when that community has unspoken expectations and if you don’t comply you are ‘shunned’! How was the Christian? Now myself – having been in churches that turned apostate before my eyes – leaving to go to another church that struggled with secret sins – I now belong to a church I want to be a part of – give my all – but have found I am not acceptable because of my past – being around those deemed ‘unacceptable’ makes me unacceptable. So thus again – I find I am forced to ‘grin & bear’ it – and with no one really accepting me – I have to bear my cross alone. The Gospel is AMAZING! The Grace found there is overbearing – but the beauty of it CHRIST carries that burden!! Thank you Dee for this AMAZING study!!
Penny — ecstatic to have you here!
Penny, welcome! I am praying for you this morning… not to have an accepting church family can be so lonely and difficult. You are fully accepted in Christ! The Gospel is amazing, as you said.
oh Penny, WELCOME! Love your heart already–so tender,teachable, real–so thankful you are here with us
Welcome, Penny! Your story tugs at my heart strings. Sorry you have had such bad experiences in churches. We are ALL “unacceptable” but through Christ was are made acceptable, when we turn to him. And you are right. The Gospel of God’s Grace is amazing. You are welcome here.
Welcome, Penny! Your words resonate with me. I am ‘grinning and bearing it’ in some ways at the church I attend too. It’s very complicated because my dearest, closest friends who love and support me are there but I also feel ‘on the periphery’ much of the time due to having some beliefs, values that differ from the main emphases there. I hope you will find, as I have, some amazing reassurance and acceptance here. SO glad you have joined us!
Welcome Here Penny.
Penny ~ Welcome to this unique and highly encouraging place.
Penny, so I am completely BLOWN AWAY by your first post! I love this post! AND..so so glad you are with us!
9. Read John 4:1-30 and summarize what happened in a few sentences.
Some of the cultural barriers that Jesus crossed to talk to this woman are:
•She was an outcast; her life a scandal – having gone through several husbands and living with one not her husband. She had probably given up hope. The fact that she came to draw water by herself in the heat of midday, indicates she probably had no friends and no one wanted to associate with her. Jesus paid no attention to what others may have thought. He treated her with respect and friendliness.
•Men simply did not talk to women in public. This was shocking.
•Jews did not associate with Samaritans, whose Jewish blood was contaminated by Gentile blood long before. Jesus frequently went through Samaritan territory and even sent his disciples out to evangelize there.
•Jews did not contaminate themselves by eating or drinking with non-Jews, but Jesus accepted a drink from her. He offered her “living water”.
Diane and Jackie ~ Reading your discussion here tonight….. Such honest, life-giving words. Thank you.
And I agree with Elizabeth ~ Jackie’s words are piercing: we can get sucked into wanting a NICE LIFE. NOT a life that is a crushing…..that sweet wine can pour out into other’s broken hearts and worlds. Forgive us Jesus for our haughty hearts…..forgive us for wanting so much “else” besides you…..nice things, peaceful days and good relationships……You alone are enough.
He keeps bringing me back to this. He. Is. Enough.
II Corinthians chapter 1: 1-9 speaks to this. Love verse 4: The Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Nila, I love this, “He, Is. Enough”…yes…
Nila – amen. The Scripture you shared really is the heart of this, isn’t it? I see you living this out so faithfully too! 🙂
I have always thought of Nicodemus coming at night as not wanting to be seen due to the position he held as a religious leader yet he had a yearning for something more that He saw Jesus had to offer. I also think it is a wonderful example of how we all have To come individually. I also think of how I love to be with the Lord all by myself as well, it is where He ministers to me so sweetly. Over 10 years ago I sent my father in law a letter for Fathers Day just letting him know how much I loved him. We had also had a. Conversation about faith. I sensed him asking questions. I had d read a book by Ann Graham Lotz called “Just Give Me Jesus” I sent him the entire chapter called “Jesus Makes Change Possible…. When Life Isn’t enough” it was all about the night Nicodemus went to Jesus and it was so beautifully written. I have since lost my father in law to Cancer but He had saved what I had sent him he also wrote of our talks about faith in his journal. That chapter was such a clear look at what the gospel was in contrast to religion.It was Beautiful and made such an impression on me I pray it did the same for Him.
9. Read John 4:1-30 and summarize what happened in a few sentences.
Jesus was trwving and stopped at Jacobs well. A woman comes and he asks her to draw water. She is a Samaritan and Jews did not normally mingle with Samaritans. She asks how to draw the water when he has no vessel. He says that all who drink from the well will continue to be thirsty, but to drink his water they would never thirst again; his living water would quench their thirst forever. He then tells her that she has had 5 husbands and isn’t married to the man she is with presently. She is amazed that he knows these things about her and believes he is someone special. She says the messiah would come one day and explain everything to them. He claims to be the messiah and she goes to get the townspeople to come to meet him.
Whoops! Autocorrect is my nemesis! It should say, “Jesus was traveling…”