“What You Don’t Know” is an article that highlights a video by Colonial Church STA. The article discusses Pastor Matt’s message explains the differences between the Book of John and the other Gospels. It emphasizes the importance of reading and understanding the Book of John for new Christians and delves into the conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus in John chapter 3. The content explores the pitfalls of a religious spirit and the significance of having a personal relationship with Jesus. It concludes with an invitation to accept Jesus and start a personal relationship with him.
Welcome to church! We are thrilled that you’re here. In this article called “What You Don’t Know,” we will dive into a conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus in John chapter 3, exploring the perils of a religious spirit and the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus. By the end, you will receive an invitation to accept Jesus and embark on a journey of faith.
The Importance of the Book of John for New Christians
The Book of John holds immense importance for new Christians due to its unique differences from the other Gospels, its emphasis on personal relationship with Jesus, and its message of salvation through faith in Him.
Differences between the Book of John and the other Gospels
The Book of John stands out from the other Gospels, namely Matthew, Mark, and Luke, due to its distinctive content and style. It was written much later in John’s life and was influenced by the Holy Spirit. As a result, it offers a fresh perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus, providing insights that cannot be found in the other Gospels. This uniqueness makes it a valuable resource for new Christians seeking a deeper understanding of Jesus and His ministry.
John’s writing influenced by the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit played a crucial role in inspiring and guiding John while writing his Gospel. This divine influence ensures that the content of the Book of John is spiritually rich and imbued with deep truths. As new Christians embark on their journey of faith, the Holy Spirit can also work in their lives, illuminating the Scriptures and helping them grasp the profound message of love, grace, and salvation found in John’s Gospel.
Emphasizing the need for reading and understanding the Book of John
For new Christians, reading and understanding the Book of John is essential for developing a solid foundation in their faith. This Gospel provides a comprehensive account of Jesus’ life, teachings, and miracles, allowing believers to gain a clearer picture of who He is and what He accomplished through His death and resurrection. By delving into the Book of John, new Christians can deepen their knowledge of Jesus and grow in their relationship with Him.
The Conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus
The interaction between Nicodemus and Jesus in John chapter 3 highlights significant aspects of the Christian faith and challenges the conventional religious understanding of Nicodemus.
Nicodemus seeking out Jesus despite his knowledge and qualifications
Despite being a knowledgeable and respected religious leader, Nicodemus sought out Jesus in search of greater spiritual understanding. His willingness to approach Jesus demonstrates his recognition that there was something missing in his religious knowledge and experience. As new Christians, it is crucial to acknowledge that no amount of qualifications or achievements can substitute for the personal encounter and relationship with Jesus.
Jesus challenging Nicodemus’ religious understanding
Jesus, in His response to Nicodemus, challenges the religious framework in which Nicodemus operated. Jesus emphasizes the need for spiritual rebirth and the renewal of the heart, deeming it essential for seeing and entering the Kingdom of God. This challenges the religious mindset that focuses primarily on external practices, knowledge, and achievements. As new Christians, it is vital to grasp this truth and shift our focus from religious performance to a genuine and transformational relationship with Jesus.
Pitfalls of a religious spirit and its focus on works, knowledge, self, and performance
The encounter between Nicodemus and Jesus serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of a religious spirit. A religious spirit places excessive emphasis on personal works, knowledge, self-righteousness, and performance to gain favor with God. However, Jesus teaches that salvation and access to the Kingdom of God come through faith and surrender, not through religious achievements. New Christians must be vigilant to avoid falling into the traps of a religious spirit and instead prioritize cultivating a vibrant and intimate relationship with Jesus.
Jesus’s Meeting with Nicodemus at Night
The secretive meeting between Jesus and Nicodemus at night holds valuable lessons about the nature of the Kingdom of God and the priority of personal relationship with Jesus.
Reasons for meeting in secrecy to avoid publicity
Nicodemus chose to meet Jesus at night to keep the encounter hidden from the public eye. This decision likely stemmed from his concern about the potential repercussions from his fellow religious leaders or society. Similarly, new Christians may face obstacles or opposition when pursuing their faith. Like Nicodemus, they must seek Jesus in a personal and intimate way, even if it means seeking Him in secret, away from the opinions or judgments of others.
Revealing that the Kingdom of God isn’t based on religious performance
During their conversation, Jesus reveals to Nicodemus that the Kingdom of God does not operate on the basis of religious performance or external actions. Instead, it is built on the foundation of a personal relationship with Jesus and being born again through the Spirit. This revelation challenges the religious framework that Nicodemus was accustomed to and underscores the importance of personal and spiritual transformation for entering into God’s Kingdom.
Prioritizing personal relationship with Jesus over religious duty and performance
The meeting with Nicodemus emphasizes the significance of prioritizing a personal relationship with Jesus above religious duties and performance. Jesus teaches that a true relationship with Him is not established through adherence to laws and rituals but through faith, surrender, and the work of the Holy Spirit in one’s heart. New Christians should take this to heart and ensure that their focus remains on cultivating intimacy with Jesus rather than getting caught up in empty religious practices.
The Essence of Relationship with Jesus
Understanding the distinction between religion and a genuine relationship with Jesus is crucial for new Christians.
Religion vs. relationship with Jesus
Religion consists of rituals, rules, and practices that may provide a superficial understanding of God but fall short of establishing a true connection with Him. On the other hand, a relationship with Jesus involves a personal and ongoing connection characterized by love, trust, and a deepening understanding of His character. As new Christians, it is important to recognize the limitations of religion and prioritize the development of an intimate relationship with Jesus.
Limitations of religion and the necessity of a personal relationship
Religion, while well-intentioned, can only take individuals so far in their spiritual journey. It often falls short of providing genuine fulfillment and meaning because it is rooted in human effort and external actions. Conversely, a personal relationship with Jesus offers a limitless source of love, grace, and purpose. Through this relationship, new Christians can experience the transformative power of His saving grace and walk in alignment with His will.
John the Baptist exalting Jesus and recognizing the need to decrease oneself for Jesus to increase
John the Baptist’s recognition of Jesus’ supremacy serves as a powerful example for new Christians. John humbly acknowledged that he must decrease so that Jesus could increase in importance and prominence. This mindset is essential in nurturing a healthy relationship with Jesus. By recognizing our own limitations and surrendering our pride and self-centeredness, we create space for Jesus to work in and through us, allowing His presence to shine brightly in our lives.
Belief in Jesus and His Saving Grace
Central to the message of the Book of John is the significance of believing in Jesus and accepting His saving grace.
Faith in Jesus regardless of knowledge or accomplishments
The Book of John emphasizes that salvation and eternal life are accessible to all who believe in Jesus, irrespective of their knowledge, accomplishments, or social standing. This truth is particularly encouraging for new Christians who may feel inadequate or lacking in spiritual understanding. It underscores the importance of placing trust in Jesus and His redemptive work rather than relying on personal achievements.
Jesus’s desire to save both those at a low point and those who seem to have it all together
Jesus extends His saving grace to all individuals, regardless of their circumstances or outward appearance. He seeks to save those who find themselves at a low point in life, as well as those who seemingly have it all together. This message offers hope and reassurance to new Christians that Jesus’s love and salvation are available to them, regardless of their past mistakes, current struggles, or societal status.
Invitation to accept Jesus and initiate a personal relationship with Him
As new Christians encounter the message of salvation in the Book of John, they are invited to accept Jesus and initiate a personal relationship with Him. By surrendering their lives to Him and placing their faith in His finished work on the cross, they can experience forgiveness, redemption, and the transformative power of His love. This invitation extends to all who are willing to embrace Jesus as their Savior and commit to following Him.
In conclusion, the Book of John holds immense significance for new Christians. Its unique differences from the other Gospels, influence by the Holy Spirit, emphasis on personal relationship with Jesus, and message of salvation through faith all contribute to its importance. By reading and understanding the Book of John, new Christians can gain a deeper knowledge of Jesus, navigate the pitfalls of religion, and establish a genuine and transformative relationship with Him. Through belief in Jesus and acceptance of His saving grace, new Christians can embark on a lifelong journey of faith and experience the abundant life that Jesus promises.
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