The Word of Life - Messages from the Gospel of John

John’s gospel begins with the revelation of the Word.  The existence of the Word is from all eternity and is related to God. Being with God, the Word is God.  It is through the Word that all creation came into being.  As pertaining to the world, the Word is the Light that brings life to men. (John 1:1-5) The coming of John is the continuation of God’s plan in the revelation of the Word that began with creation.  Every time the name John is used in this gospel it refers not to the author of the gospel, but to the Baptizer, who is key to the introduction of the Word as well.  The history of the revelation of the Word comes in full color for humanity through John the Baptist.  John was created for this purpose.  The introduction to the “Word of Life” continues in Sunday’s message.

New Sermon Series Starts Sunday

On Sunday, we will begin an exposition on the Gospel according to John.  The series of messages will be entitled “The Word of Life.”  While Matthew, Mark, and Luke (the Synoptic gospels) present Jesus from below to show who He is from above, John begins from above to show the Word who comes to earth. Sunday’s message, “The Big Reveal,” highlights the significance of the Word, the activity of the Word in the world, and witness of the Word to men. An understanding of the Word is essential in establishing a starting point for all things in this Gospel.

Did God really say…?

Did God really say…?

Gen 3:1b   

And he said to the woman, “Indeed, has God said,…” (וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ אֶל־הָ֣אִשָּׁ֔ה אַ֚ף כִּֽי־אָמַ֣ר אֱלֹהִ֔ים)

I would suggest to you that most people willingly or unknowingly assert that there is a god. The path of pursuit to define God fills the mind and action of men in a search for answers for the questions of life. Secondly, in this context, God has some possibility to speak perhaps. If so, it is therefore proper to conclude that God communicates in some manner to humankind [to establish among other things: being, purpose, direction, reason, etc.]. If it is concluded that God is and that God speaks, then what does He say and how can one verify the authenticity and application of His words?

We need to know who God is, so that we can best ascertain the validity and course to take concerning His words. Or else, we may find ourselves prey to others’ words, leading to results in the application of those words, which would be of lesser value and maybe even injurious to one’s cause or purpose.

The question of the serpent rings true as to what is placed in the thoughts of men for a few reasons, although his motive is a bit sinister to say the least.  He acknowledges the position of human belief in God, otherwise such a question would be quite preposterous. There also exists the possibility of speech other than God’s word. The question is how does on detect some words that lead into a category of speech that separates one from the priority of God’s words. There must be some measure or way to figure out the dispute between God’s words and not God’s words. If one cannot get this process established, the stage may be set for the fall.

In order to ascertain God’s word for one’s direction, we must know who He is, what He is like, and among other things, what His purpose or design is.  It will become clearer to know how to live and plot the course of our lives within the parameters of God’s being and our practice.  Seek to know the Person of God through His revealed words.  Respond to issues, questions, and direction in life understanding God’s character and overall purpose He has determined.  What God has really spoken will bring clarity, direction, and fulfillment in life.

Make History

In the development of my personal understanding of history and how it coincides with theological progression, I quickly found myself reflecting on how history exposes the smallness of men.  Over the span of time we make miniscule scratches on the wall of human structures.  At present, it may seem that our name and our work (especially those who have some regional, national, or world influence) may reach with equal proportion our ego as we may assume that our impact is perhaps better than the next man’s.  In actuality, will it really matter if your printed name or recorded presentation trend or make it to the shelf for another to grapple with the subject?  

Here, one may conclude that I betray myself in that my submission speaks for that same cause that I seem to attempt to expose.  It would be so, if I were attempting to escape humility, but the suggestion here is that borrowing from a divine mission makes my mark or any other’s only His. His mark is the one that appears to carry across the span of human history, no matter how prosperous the times or how evil the events.  

This brings me back to my initial pursuit before this digression.  History falls under the scope of divine borders and it is important for men with theological limitations and philosophical perspectives to give place to the wisdom of God.  The Word that we share and the theological understanding that we may have must give way to the glory of the only One who has never-ending impact on this world.  Whatever part we play, may we not skip over the key mandate given us by the One who holds history: make disciples.  

This, I submit, is the scratch that will glow and carry His glory throughout human history until the end. In this fashion, Dr. Rodney Decker invested in my life so that as I begin an exposition of the Gospel according to Mark, I am reminded of him through books and papers. Now that he is with the Lord, I am further reminded by his life that is stuck to me because of his investment.  The Scripture that I read today, I am more capable of exposing for the glory of our Lord to His church and this world because of this guidance.  What matters most is how you impact the life of the ones you have been called to disciple.  Brick and mortar cannot compare to authentic body building.

"Theology Practiced" or "Practical Theology"?

I am often baffled by comments and writings that express some sort of dichotomy between theology and practice.  For instance, some say, “We need to be more practical.” Such sayings fly the banner of a supposed reality that no more knowledge of doctrine is necessary.  Somehow there is an abundant supply of theology with the absence of living out the principles gained.  I would beg to differ.  If practicality is missing, so is the knowledge by which the action is begging.  “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 2:22).  There is also no honor in mindless activity.  Having accomplished “many wonders” in the name of the Lord (Matt 7:22-23) is no bargain when absent of the will of God.

God’s being is not something detached from His ways.  In His revelation to man, it has never been so.  Out of His being flows the actions by which He makes Himself known and the necessary provisions for men to know Him and respond to Him. The passion to connect with the “real needs” of the people He created is top priority in the theology of God.

The multitude of human needs are innumerable in our world with its social, geographical, and cultural constructs. The Divine implement of the Spirit guides through truths the order of activity within family, church, and variegated community.  The Word was never designed to sit in a castle without touching the populous.  If theology and practice are separated, it is only by misguided “so-called theologians” who attempt to have empty hands with truth or misguided “passionate practitioners” who attempt everything imaginable without doctrinal foundations.

How we live has a direct correlation to how much we know about God. If we lack practicality in a particular area of our lives, it is because we really don’t know God and His will fully in the matter.

If we busy ourselves to do things without a proper theology, then the emptiness of our cause will ever be the result before us.  “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

Let us speak and discern appropriately when it comes to theology and practice.  Measure them on a united front, then the valuation of spiritual status will find level ground in both knowledge and practice.

Where Are You Going?

Life.  This marvelous adventure of going toward an unfamiliar future is a wonderful gift.  Amazingly, we wake up to its prompting daily, not really knowing what’s in store for us.  More often than not, most skip through the day missing the greater purpose in living.  Ask yourself, “Why am I still here?” Do you know what your grand purpose in living within this universe is today?

I have often considered why God has allowed this space in time for my present existence.  The gift of life creates a voice for present meaning and assurance of a real destination.  Excitement and rejuvenation accumulate in the heart as one discovers that God has revealed purpose and specifications for guidance.  Just imagine going about your daily living and encountering the Creator, who has the answer to purpose and fulfillment in life.  Every day would spill over with anticipation with a clear view of the One who knows the unknown destination.

Abraham’s life demonstrates how God encounters man to show Himself faithful in direction and purpose in abundant living (Genesis 12).  Abram’s pedigree was superb.  He shared lineage with Shem and his father, Noah.  It does not appear that this was an immediate benefit to his spiritual condition.  Abram was a pagan.  One day God answered the calling of an empty heart and spoke to Abram.  He gave Abram meaningful purpose. God also gave him a map.  No GPS in which our times would find comfort.  He spent the rest of his life experiencing the presence and blessing of God.  Abraham’s trust in God’s map led him ultimately to the Maker’s city (Hebrews 11.10).  Every day must have been filled with purpose and expectation!

The great spiritual experience of encountering God and knowing His blessing can be a reality for those who find themselves going and not knowing.  First of all, you need to have God reveal himself to you.  He speaks primarily through His Word.  Place yourself in the position to hear God’s Word.  Secondly, as God fills your life with meaning, find joy in each day.  God has some unique purpose to accomplish in you.  Don’t let it be diminished by temporary challenges.  Lastly, look with great anticipation to the future.  Eternal life is knowing God.  You know Him and the greatest spiritual experience will be in the Maker’s city.  Then, you get to see Him face to face.  Where are you going?

Get Serious about Interpretation

The discovery of truth and the proper interpretation of God’s Word are paramount in knowing God, responding to Him in obedience, and for the mission of reaching and teaching others for His glory.  The understanding of interpreting the Scriptures grows more complex from the simple embrace of gospel into a shared unity with the transcendent God. There should be an ever growing approach to be approved by God as a student of Scripture (2 Tim 2:15).  We should never settle for anything less. 

As we handle the Word of God and grow in our ability to shoulder the responsibility of its proper interpretation, I hope that our work would claim the highest security clearance in view of the holy presence of the Lord.  Our delivery of His great treasure should stand alongside the priority of prayer.  No other gift should find level comparison with the preacher or teacher.   

The measure of correctness and clarity in understanding and proclaiming the word of God in our times should cause today’s interpreters of Scripture to be more vigilant than ever.  In our day, it is more en vogue to be subjectively creative in miscommunicating the meaning of Scripture than to inductively study the Bible, using an exegetical process that seeks to understand the author of the text or what God means by what is said.  It is amazing to hear more and more individuals articulate ‘their story’ as the vehicle of relevant communication of God’s Word above the biblical text itself.  Hearing this kind of religious communication or sermonizing seems to allow the right interpretation of the text to fall flat.

If only the seriousness of getting the right interpretation of what God is communicating would light upon ministers today in similar fashion as in the demand of King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 2, “Give me the interpretation!”  There is no room for creative oration.  Only an accurate account of what God is communicating will save not only our souls, but the souls of those associated with us.

So, I am back to the drawing board, so to speak.  I love ink covered pages that unfold the truth of God’s Word.  More than ever before, a passion for a faithful pursuit and communication of His Word is demanded.  God’s people need the proper interpretation of God’s Word and the world we live in demands that we cut it straight when it comes to the truth.