”Christ and Us” Part II

John 1: 6-11

Ive been studying and then went to church and the word of the day seems to be “transformative” since I’ve seen or heard it three times just today. When John the Baptist -who was the biological cousin of Jesus – came, it was to testify to the truth of Jesus and who he was before He ever got here. How do you hear the Word of God and not be transformed?

Then again, I’ve been hearing about God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit all of my life, but it was something I heard that changed everything almost three years ago, and I’ve been in the Word every day since. I wish I could remember what was said to make me figure it out. I’m just glad it did and I acted on it!

Hebrews 1:3 says : The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful Word.

John testified to Jesus being that light. He tried to tell everyone that to have Jesus in your life will give you that light also.

“This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.”

John himself was not the light, he came only as a witness to the light.

1. Witnesses Testify to the Truth But are Not the Source of Truth Themselves.( 1: 6-8)

Even though John was a testifier, he was beheaded for his belief, his witness, and his boldness to share it with the world. Talk about having faith over fear!

When Jesus did come, His own people rejected him, put Him to death on a cross, but He rose again three days later and sits at the right side of God our Father. Tye disciples knew Jesus and still had questions, doubts. Imagine how hard it is to believe when you can’t even see Him.

Answers to how to respond to anything can be found through Jesus. You can pray for those answers 24/7 – how is that not transformative?

II. The World Will Reject Truth Despite the Evidence

Of course, there will always be cynics, critics and doubters, but even atheists and agnostics have to believe due to the overwhelming evidence. How many signs and gifts does He need to show for you to believe? Even they acknowledge that some greater intelligence designed the world. They just don’t admit that it’s God.

Just a small list of gifts from Jesus:

Forgiveness-rest

Righteousness

Relationships

Value

Meaning

Security

PeaceIdentity

Maturity

Eternal life-hope

I pray that each of you have a very Merry Christmas and for those who may be sad or experiencing loss, may the peace of Christ wrap you in comfort.

Also, I believe a couple of John Hobbs books are still on sale for .99! “Merry Christmas to a Broken Heart” I’ve read myself and it’s very helpful.