UNDERSTANDING THE THINGS OF GOD.
Jesus tells Nicodemus here [John 3:1-8] that except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God. A person has to experience the new birth in order to understand the things of God and the kingdom of God.
Reference: John 3:3,5
In context: John 3:1-8
WORD STUDY: "see" from John 3:3. Look this up in the Greek with a Strong's Exhaustive Concordance. The word means "to know" [Strong's number = G1492].
NOTE: There are examples of the new birth in the book of Acts [Acts 2, Acts 10, Acts 19]. The book of the Acts of the Apostles is the history of the Church starting on the Day of Pentecost. We cannot argue from silence the things of God but we must take our truest examples from the Bible. This implies we believe the Holy Bible is the inspired Word of God. It must be the final authority for all truth and not mere experience alone. We cannot trust opinions for something so important to us as the salvation of our souls the the souls of our loved ones.
THE LORDSHIP OF CHRIST
In order to find the true counsel of God you must submit to the true Lordship of Jesus Christ.
And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?Reference: Luke 6:46
In context: Luke 6:43-46 [Dake's Bible - Secret of discerning mere professors].
More follows this scripture with Jesus speaking of the 2 types of houses that people build [Luke 6:47-49].
The only difference between the house that weathered the storm and the one that didn't is that one heard and did the words of Christ.
TWO PARTS TO THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS -LOVE AND FEAR [REVERENCE]
LOVE
Jesus asks us "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
Reference: (John 14:15)
In Context: John 14:15-17
Not only do we have to do [obey] the things Jesus says to be disciples and not mere professors, we must do this in Love for Jesus or it becomes mere legalism. Let's use an example. The only difference between Church "A" and "B" is that Church "A" is obeying the scriptures for outward appearances [the Pharisees did this] and Church "B" is trying to obey Jesus to honor and glorify Him because they love him.
APPLICATION: We can apply this to ourselves on an individual basis by praying and asking Jesus to help us do the things of scripture because we love him. We need the Holy Spirit's help to accomplish this.
FEAR [REVERENCE]
NOTE: There are 78 verses in the New Testament containing the word "fear" and a total of 84 hits.
More to follow later...
Puddles : )
