Category: Digging Deeper

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God”

John 3:17-18 (ESV)

 

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THE GIFT AND THE GIVER

 

During this Christmas season we celebrate the birth of our savior the Lord Jesus Christ. As verse 17 notes, Jesus was sent into the world not to condemn but to save. Jesus said, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10, ESV). The word save has many synonyms, including: rescue, free, liberate, deliver, ransom, and unchain. What then does Jesus rescue us from? He frees us from the chains of sin, and liberates us from the power that sin has over us (see Galatians 3:23). Of course, we all still commit sin, and according to a just God, deserve to be punished. However, Jesus came as a ransom for all who believe – the ultimate example of a sacrificial, servant heart (see Mark 10:45).

Although Jesus was not sent into this world to condemn, those who do not believe in the “name of the only Son of God” are already condemned (v. 18). They have heard the name of Jesus (and many saw him and witnessed his works during his lifetime), but they have refused to believe. The gift of salvation through Jesus Christ is free, but many choose to remain in their sin. By rejecting this free gift, they will be paid according to their choice (see Romans 6:23).

Think of a gift that you received that had special meaning to you. Was it the fanciness and/or expense of the gift that made it special, or did the special meaning come from the story behind the gift/giver? Was it a gift given in love, and not just a mere token? Did it cost the giver more than just the expense? Now think about the saving gift that God sent us with the birth of his Son. Try to remember, especially at this time of the year, what a special gift that was. Go and reach out to those around you and share the story behind the gift and the giver!

 

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Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.

 

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16 (ESV)

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HE LOVED, HE GAVE, WITH A PURPOSE

 

In John 3:16, God gave us a model for how to live a loving, giving life. God loved, so he gave, with a purpose. He was not coerced into giving. He did not give out of a sense of guilt. He did not give to be noticed (although all that He does is for His glory). He gave because He loved! Even though we are all sinners by nature, he sent his Son into the world to die for my sins and for your sins (see Romans 5:8).

Abraham and Sarah are two examples of God’s loving, purposeful giving. They could not conceive a child, even though God had promised Abraham he would be “the father of a multitude of nations” (Gen 17:4, ESV). Abraham had already tried to circumvent God’s plan (Ishmael), but God told Abraham that Sarah would deliver a son, Isaac. How did the couple react to the news? Joy? Weeping? No, laughter! Abraham was 100 years old, and Sarah was barren, but Isaac was born, and God established His covenant with Isaac. God loved, and He gave, with a purpose.

Jesus walked the earth for 33 years. He spent his last three years living with his group of 12 disciples. He taught them about his heavenly Father, not only in word, but also in deed. He loved them, even unto death (see John 15:13). He gave all of himself to them, willingly laying down his life (see John 10:11). He commissioned them to spread the good news of his coming and going (see the High Priestly Prayer, John 17). Jesus loved, and he gave, with a purpose.

Jesus is quoted by Paul as saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35, ESV). I think that in today’s “I want it all and I want it now” culture, one would be summarily canceled on all social media platforms for espousing that attitude! As you prepare for the upcoming year, open your eyes to the need that surrounds you. Lovingly look for opportunities to give, with a purpose. We are all to some extent gifted with time, talent, and treasure. Use those gifts that God gave you to bless others. God gave us Jesus – Jesus gave us eternal life. Give to others as a way of shining a light in this dark world. Who knows, that light may shine on the path to Jesus for a lost soul!

 

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Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.

 

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16 (ESV)

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THE PRICELESS GIFT

 

Trivia question: What Bible verse was referenced on a sign held up by the “Rainbow Man” at many of the major sporting events during the late 70’s and early 80’s? Hint: He wore a rainbow-colored wig and always managed to get brief on-camera time during the network broadcast. Answer: The verse is John 3:16, and Rainbow Man is Rollen Stewart. Unfortunately, the professed born-again Christian and evangelist is serving a life sentence for multiple kidnappings.

If you ask someone (Christian or non-Christian) to recite one Bible verse, John 3:16 would probably be one of the most often-quoted. This one verse succinctly describes the message of the Gospel. Let’s unpack each section of this powerful verse:

1) “For God so loved the world” – God initiates the love. In John’s first epistle, he writes, “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19, ESV). God has loved the world from the beginning. He has been pursuing us from the start.

2) “He gave his only Son” – This is the most precious gift he could give. A chasm was created between God and man as a result of the Fall of Adam and Eve. God, in his infinite wisdom and endless love, created a way to bridge that divide. The price was immeasurable, but the cost was worth the gain. God loves us that much!

3) “Whoever believes in Him” – There is a requirement associated with this gift – One must believe in God’s Son. This is not merely an intellectual understanding of who Jesus is, but it is the act of placing your trust and faith in the one who came to “take away the sins of the world” (see 1 John 3:5).

4) “Should not perish but have eternal life” – The act of sending His Son as the perfect lamb was designed so that all who believe and “call on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Rom 10:13, ESV). Belief in Jesus guarantees that God’s love for us will never end, and we will be with Him for eternity!

As you celebrate Christmas this year, take a moment to reflect on the immense love of God, the priceless gift that He gave, the cost of that gift, and the eternal implications of that gift. The gifts we give to one another during this season, no matter how special the gift, and no matter how much thought and cost went into obtaining the gift, pale in comparison to the gracious, life-saving gift that God has offered us on Christmas morning (see Ephesians 2:8).

 

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Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.

 

Now may the God of all hope fill you with joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13 (CSB)

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HOME

 

As we wrap up our time together this week in this beautiful verse, I hope you’ve begun to understand what a gift Jesus’ birth and life are to us. 

 

We were hopeless, sinners eternally condemned. He humbled himself and came as a baby, lived fully God and fully man in the person of Jesus, suffered and died the death we deserved, and rose again from the dead. 

 

Why? Why would He do that? Oh dear friend, because that’s how much he loves us! He came to redeem us! That is our hope in this life!

 

John 1:14 says, “So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.”

 

You see, He came and made his home among us that we might build our lives on him. 

 

Where have you placed your hope in this life? Who or what are you looking to for joy and peace? Only Jesus can satisfy. Build your life on him, living in the pages of his word, empowered by his Spirit to all he’s calling you to—only there will you truly be Home!

 

PRAY: Jesus, what can we say? You are more than enough. What a gift you are to us! Forgive us when we forget. Help us to love you, love others, and live sent. Amen.

 

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Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders and Collins.  She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she writes web content for a variety of companies and ministries. When she’s not writing or blogging, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.

Now may the God of all hope fill you with joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13 (CSB)

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EMPOWERED

 

If yesterday’s discussion on obedience left you feeling frustrated that you’re not further along, you’re not alone. Paul said it best when he confessed, “I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.” (Romans 7:15)

 

So, where do we learn how to love and obey God? In the Bible alone. 

 

2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us, “All Scripture is inspired by God and useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” 

 

I often think, I could be a much better follower of Jesus if he walked around here with me. Wouldn’t that be something? Jesus knew this would be in all of us who follow Him. Just before his crucifixion, He comforted his disciples, saying, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.” (John 14:26) 

 

We can’t overlook the gift of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Our ability to believe, obey, and ultimately be filled with joy, peace, and hope is the beautiful, empowering handiwork of the Holy Spirit. He is our source for all that God is calling us to.

 

As you begin this day, spend some time being honest about all you might be trying to accomplish in your own power. Now, begin to imagine what your life and your calling might begin to look like, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Friends, He can do abundantly more than you could ever dare to dream!

 

Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to power that is at work with us, to Him be the glory …” Ephesians 3:20-21

 

PRAY: I need you, Holy Spirit. Empower me to glorify you in all that you ordain for me today. Amen.

 

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Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders and Collins.  She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she writes web content for a variety of companies and ministries. When she’s not writing or blogging, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.

Now may the God of all hope fill you with joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13 (CSB)

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BELIEVE

 

During the Christmas season, the word “believe” is tossed around quite a bit. I immediately think of the scene near the end of the movie The Polar Express where the conductor frantically punches holes in the child’s ticket, and much to his surprise, it says, “Believe.”

 

The pages of scripture are filled with the call to believe. In John 6:47, Jesus tells us, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.” And for many of us, we would quickly say, “I do believe!”

 

Belief, by definition, is accepting something as true, and oftentimes, it begins and ends there. 

Yet, James 2:19 doesn’t mince words: You believe that God is one. Good! Even the demons believe—and they shutter.

 

When it comes to Jesus, we can’t stop with just believing. He is the creator and sustainer of all things—including you and me. And He created us with one purpose—for His own glory (Isaiah 43:6-7). So, we must ask ourselves, “How do we glorify God?” By loving him and doing what he commands. Simply put—obedience to his word.

 

“For just as the [human] body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works [of obedience] is also dead.” James 2:26 AMP

 

You see, believing in Jesus reveals our greatest need—salvation. However, believing also spurs us on to become followers of Jesus and sacrificially living out His call on our lives. Through the act of obedience to his word, he faithfully fills us with joy and peace, and, ultimately, hope. 

 

As you begin this day, stop and think of where your life can begin to move from a simple belief in God to a hope-filled obedience to his word so that you might live for His glory. That’s where the beauty is. Don’t miss it!

 

PRAY: Jesus, you are our greatest need. Yes, for salvation—but we need you in all things at all times! Give us a hunger and thirst for your word so that we might move from being consumers of your word to doers of your word. Help us to love you more so that we might love others and live sent.

 

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Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders and Collins.  She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she writes web content for a variety of companies and ministries. When she’s not writing or blogging, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.

Now may the God of all hope fill you with joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13 (CSB)

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SACRIFICE OF PRAISE

 

Yesterday, we talked about the God of all hope. And today, the question begs to be asked, “How does he fill us with joy and peace?” After all, that’s what we all long for in the chaos and pain of this life. But in a world of “you do you” and “do what makes you happy,” what would it look like to be filled with joy and peace? 

 

Psalms 43:4 says, “Then I will come to the altar of God, to God my greatest joy. I will praise you with the lyre, God, my God.”

 

The altar, by definition, is a place of sacrifice or surrendering, and this is the place where David finds his greatest joy. Why? Because it’s there he finds God.

 

Notice he doesn’t rattle off a list of things that would surely make his life easier, more significant, or more comfortable. He is saying that when he comes to God sacrificially, surrendering and praising—it’s there he finds His greatest joy.

 

Hebrews 13:15 tells us, “Therefore, through him let us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name.”

 

The thing is, regardless of what this life brings our way—Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever! He is holy. He is faithful. And this life we live has always been to bring Him glory. The God of all hope will fill us with joy and peace when we sacrifice our wants, our will, and our way and surrender to His plans, purpose, and calling on our lives. 

 

When the focus of our lives becomes Him – His glory, and not our comfort – there we will overflow with peace and joy. Yes, there will be pain, but there will also be great blessings because we’re living like He’s risen. Will you dare to offer a sacrifice of praise today? 

 

PRAY: Jesus, you know we are living in a broken world. It’s so easy for us to fix our eyes on the things and circumstances of this world. And yet, when we dare to fix our eyes on you—the author and perfecter of our faith—we find peace and joy in it all. Lift our eyes today and pour into our hearts a song of praise. You are worthy of it all! We love you, Jesus. Amen.

 

*If you’re looking for a song to get you started, Worthy of My Song by Maverick City and Phil Wickham is a great one.

 

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Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders and Collins.  She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she writes web content for a variety of companies and ministries. When she’s not writing or blogging, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.

Now may the God of all hope fill you with joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13 (ESV)

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THE GOD OF HOPE

 

Standing at the door to the church, they came one by one, stopping to hug me. “I loved your mother… Aren’t you so thankful for the hope of heaven?” Their eyes were filled with compassion as their love for her streamed down their faces.  

 

In the throes of unexpected grief, I often asked myself, “What is this hope I’m supposed to be grateful for?” After all, we owned funeral clothes now. Just eight months before my mother passed away, my mother-in-law went to be with Jesus, and a year before that, my husband’s best friend. 

 

Webster’s Dictionary defines HOPE as “to cherish a desire with anticipation: to want something to be true.” That’s heartbreaking, isn’t it? The thing is, if we look to the things of this world to define the God of this world, we’ll come up short every time. 

 

If, like me, the suffering of this life has caused you to question the greatness of this hope, I want you to know the pages of scripture are filled with people like you and me wrestling out all we say we believe. Perhaps we’ve been asking the wrong question in, “What is this hope?” Maybe we should be asking, “Where have I placed my hope?”

 

The truth is, our only hope in life and death is Jesus Christ. Our hope certainly isn’t found in the circumstances of this life. It’s not in people or relationships, how successful we are, the status of our 401k, our debt-to-income ratio, or how we choose to school our children. 

 

Unlike the dictionary, we don’t have to “want it to be true.” Our hope is sure and true because Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection secure it. And God has sworn by Himself (Isaiah 43:23) that it is only through Him that we are saved. And without the promises of His word, we wouldn’t have anything to build our lives upon. 

 

Ultimately, I’m learning that when I dare to stare into the hardest, most painful events of this life, I find that Jesus really is working all things together for my good and His glory. And as I lean in and surrender more, there is joy and peace that only He can give. That’s our hope! Won’t you lean into Him today?

 

PRAY: Jesus, this life can be so hard. But you make all things beautiful. Give us eyes to see you more in this season, to trust you more in our pain, and to love you more deeply in our longing. You are our only hope. We love you, and we need you. Come, Jesus, we pray. Amen.

 

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Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders and Collins.  She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she writes web content for a variety of companies and ministries. When she’s not writing or blogging, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.

No one comes to the Father except through me.”

John 14:6 (ESV)

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THE WAY HOME TO THE FATHER

 

Anonymous writer, about an American tourist’s visit to the 19th-century Polish rabbi Hofetz Chaim: Astonished to see that the rabbi’s home was only a simple room filled with books, plus a table and a bench, the tourist asked, “Rabbi, where is your furniture?” “Where is yours?” replied the rabbi. “Mine?” asked the puzzled American. “But I’m a visitor here. I’m only passing through.” “So am I,” said Hofetz Chaim. (Christopher News Notes)

 

Jesus told the disciples that He was going to prepare a home in heaven with God the Father for all of His followers. This world is not the final destination for Christians. We are simply passing through. To “come to the Father” is to finally enter God’s heavenly kingdom.

 

Reflection

The Message paraphrases John 14:2 and says, “There is plenty of room for you in My Father’s home.” Is there anything that would change in your life if you treated this life as your temporary residence and heaven as your true home?

 

Prayer

Thank God for inviting you into His home in heaven. Ask God to show you areas of your life where you may be clinging too much to this world.

 

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Dr. Larry Grays is the father of four and lives in the Canton area. Larry consults with churches, schools, city governments, and businesses nationwide. He’s been a member of the NorthStar family for over 20 years.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.

No one comes to the Father except through me.”

John 14:6 (ESV)

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THE WAY TO LIFE

 

Deep inside every person, there is a yearning for something more. In Greek mythology, King Tantalus was punished in the underworld by being chained in a lake. Its waters reached to his chin but receded whenever he bent down to satisfy his burning thirst. Over his head were branches laden with choice fruit, but they immediately withdrew whenever he reached upward to satisfy his hunger. A symbol of utter frustration, his name is immortalized in the English word “tantalize.” King Tantalus is the perfect illustration of the way people feel about life apart from Christ. We all feel like happiness, satisfaction, peace, joy, and acceptance is so close, but we can never seem to reach it. (Bruce Goettsche)

 

Just as spiritual death leads to separation from God, so spiritual life implies connection with Him. We are spiritually dead without Jesus. We become alive when we surrender ourselves to Jesus. John 5:24 says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.”

 

Reflection

Jesus did not come to make bad men good. Jesus came to make dead men alive. When do you think you went from being spiritually dead to spiritually alive in Christ?

 

Prayer

Thank God for giving you spiritual life and eternal life in heaven through Jesus. Ask God to help you experience the abundant life Jesus promised in John 10:10.

 

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Dr. Larry Grays is the father of four and lives in the Canton area. Larry consults with churches, schools, city governments, and businesses nationwide. He’s been a member of the NorthStar family for over 20 years.