John 3
Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council, comes to Jesus in the night (v1-2) to speak with Him. God wants us to engage with Him questions of faith - including our doubts, questions, frustration, etc. Jacob even wrestled with God (see also DesiringGod.com on this topic of wrestling with God). However, at some point, we must just believe.
John Piper posits that the story of Nicodemus emphasizes that our faith requires us to be born again - in other words we cannot be "alive to religion" but "dead to God", referencing Luke 9:59-60 to illustrate how one can be dead to God.
We must recognize and believe in our heart that we all need a Savior, Jesus is that Savior, and that He died and rose to redeem us - faith then becomes a gift from God.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who died and rose for me - thank You Jesus! I am undeserving of such a gift...I worry far too much! Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? v11-12
Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council, comes to Jesus in the night (v1-2) to speak with Him. God wants us to engage with Him questions of faith - including our doubts, questions, frustration, etc. Jacob even wrestled with God (see also DesiringGod.com on this topic of wrestling with God). However, at some point, we must just believe.
John Piper posits that the story of Nicodemus emphasizes that our faith requires us to be born again - in other words we cannot be "alive to religion" but "dead to God", referencing Luke 9:59-60 to illustrate how one can be dead to God.
We must recognize and believe in our heart that we all need a Savior, Jesus is that Savior, and that He died and rose to redeem us - faith then becomes a gift from God.
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For
it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is
with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:9-10
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who died and rose for me - thank You Jesus! I am undeserving of such a gift...I worry far too much! Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
