Faith: As a Model of Trust and Humility

The Faith of the Centurion: A Model of Trust and Humility.

The story of the centurion's faith, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 8:5-13), serves as a powerful example of unwavering trust and humility. This essay explores the remarkable qualities displayed by the centurion and the valuable lessons we can learn from his faith.

1. The Centurion's Recognition of Authority:

The centurion, a Roman military officer, approached Jesus with a deep understanding of authority. He recognized Jesus as having authority over sickness and disease, acknowledging that a mere word from Him would be sufficient to heal his servant. This recognition reveals the centurion's profound faith in Jesus' power and authority.

2. Humility and Reverence:

Despite his position of authority, the centurion displayed remarkable humility and reverence towards Jesus. He acknowledged his unworthiness to have Jesus enter his home, recognizing Jesus' holiness and divine nature. This humility demonstrated the centurion's deep respect and reverence for Jesus' person and ministry.

3. Trust in Jesus' Word:

The centurion's faith was characterized by an unwavering trust in Jesus' word. He believed that Jesus had the power to heal his servant without physically being present. The centurion's statement, "Just say the word, and my servant will be healed," reflects his complete confidence in Jesus' ability to bring about healing through His spoken word alone.

4. Recognition of Authority Structure:

The centurion's faith also revealed his understanding of authority structures. As a military officer, he recognized the chain of command and the power that comes with it. In acknowledging Jesus' authority, he saw himself as being under Jesus' authority, just as his soldiers were under his own authority. This recognition demonstrated the centurion's humility and submission to Jesus' authority.

5. Jesus' Response:

Jesus marveled at the centurion's faith, declaring it to be greater than any He had found in Israel. Jesus commended the centurion for his trust and affirmed the healing of his servant. This interaction highlights the significance of faith and the profound impact it can have on our lives.

The faith of the centurion serves as a model for believers today. His recognition of Jesus' authority, humility, trust in His word, and understanding of authority structures provide valuable lessons for us to apply in our own lives. Like the centurion, we are called to approach Jesus with reverence, humility, and unwavering trust in His power and authority. We can find inspiration in the centurion's faith as we navigate the challenges and uncertainties of our own lives, knowing that Jesus is always present and capable of working miracles. May we strive to emulate the faith of the centurion, placing our complete trust in Jesus and surrendering to His authority, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill His promises and bring healing and restoration to our lives.

It Is Easy To Forget

You may have heard the story about the elderly couple. One day the elderly woman said to her husband, “I really would love an ice cream sundae.” Her husband responded, “This time of the night? That would require me to get dressed and go out and pick it up.”

Nevertheless, she persisted. She stated that she would like chocolate ice cream and insisted that he write it down. He replied, “I will remember!“ She raised the volume of her voice, “Write it down!”

She further instructed him to not forget the whip cream, saying, once again, “write it down, write it down!“ Do what she replied, “I’ll remember!“

Again, she thought, “don’t forget those little nuts and candies on top!” She, once again raised her voice, “write it down, write it down!” His reply? “I’ll remember!”

Again, she thought, and instructed him to not forget the cherry on top. She stated, “That’s my favorite part of an ice cream sundae!” Again, she insisted, “Write it down, write it down!” Again, he replied, “I’ll remember!”

Out the door he went for ann  ice cream sundae.

It took a long time for him to return and when he did, he arrived and handed her a hamburger. Her reply? She said, “I told you to write it down! I wanted pickles on this burger.”

Memory is a strange thing. Whether you’re trying to remember a list of things you need to pick up at the grocery store or someone’s name. Sometimes memories fail.

The Bible tells us that God is faithful to his followers. Even the final words of Christ, or that of comfort, reminding them that he will return in again find that familiar passage that all of us have coded from time to time, “I will never leave you, nor for sake you“ it was written down in Joshua’s notebook that was again a reminder that God is faithful. (Deuteronomy 31)

You & I will forget. We can become distracted and focus on the wrong things from time to time.

Too often, I am pressed to remember details, and I am encouraged to write it down. And sometimes I have still forgotten. Yet, the good news is that God is gracious. His love endures forever for those who follow him, and ironically enough for those who require more grace.

Do You Trust Me?

When I was doing youth ministry, we would play some fun games that would help bring about a better understanding of the lesson. One game was related to faith by doing the trust fall. We would invite somebody who would close their eye or be blindfolded. We asked them to follow our commands and even fall backward, hoping that there will be somebody there to catch them. Trust was the subject & lesson.

I’ve been where I felt as though I was blind and having to be guided around by a command. I didn’t know what to expect, or what I was stepping into, and most assuredly, I was uncomfortable with simply falling backward; hoping that I would find someone there to catch me. Sometimes I feel like Agent Get Smart did as he was trying to defeat KAOS (aka Chaos).

In Luke 7:1-10 (also found in Matthew 8:5-13) we see Jesus healing the servant of a faithful centurion. 

What is the story of Jesus and the Centurion?

When Jesus entered Capernaum, some Jewish elders came to him and told him of a centurion’s servant who was ill. The centurion sent these elders to ask Jesus to come to his home and heal his servant. While Jesus was on his way to the home, more men came up to him. These men were sent by the centurion again with a message. They told Jesus to no longer bothering coming. The centurion said he is not worthy to have Jesus in his home. He still believed that if Jesus says the word his servant would be healed. Jesus proclaimed he had not found faith like the centurions in all of Israel. When the friends returned, they found the servant was healed.

This is a remarkable story. While there are many applications the one that I felt most challenged by the Holy Spirit is the issue of trust. I’m not good at sharing my vulnerabilities and weaknesses. I take pride in my ability to get things done without the assistance of others. I’m not completely isolated or such a maverick that I wouldn’t take help; it is just that I feel like I have the responsibility on my shoulders.  

The story has many fascinating ways that we could look at it, but for me, it has to do with my ability to trust in Jesus. The centurion understood authority. He understood that he needed to trust those who are under his command. He said to Jesus that all he needed to do was to speak with authority, and his servant would be healed. 

Wow! It is incredible to think that the man who had such great authority yet, he was willing to submit to the authority of a man who carried no title, and he certainly was not humanly speaking, powerful. The centurion understood the command structure. Jesus had a reputation, but not a title. He lead by influence not by authority, at least what we might recognize.

I find conviction that I need to learn how to trust Jesus, who certainly has the authority, but he doesn’t demand of me, and I don’t respond out of fear. It is perfect love that causes me to act on what he has commanded of me.

The centurion understood something that I am still learning.

How about you? Is there something that you are still yet learning? Do you find that you need, like me, to defend yourself? Do you feel like you need to prove yourself?

I trust that you, like me, can find hope in this story. You can gain an understanding, like me, that it is Jesus that will provide all that we need to accomplish what he has called us to do.

What Shall Remain.

Time keeps marching on. Change is the only constant that there is. With every shifting shadow we can rest knowing that there are some values that do not change. 

You may have heard that saying, “If you don’t like something, just wait, it will change.” Though it may not be what you wanted at least it is different. Change is inevitable. 

Today, I am reflecting on those things that will not change. What remains the same? there are many good values remain no matter what life invents, innovates, or instructs. Many things shall pass away. Some things yet remain. 

The way we do things changes. Life is always filled with surprises. Since things change we need to adapt and find new opportunities. From generation to generation, while people change we can find new opportunities. 

An example may pertain to music. What is your favorite genre? I enjoy music from the 60’s and 70’s. Though I graduated in the 80’s, music I listened to was from the generation from my older brothers. My radio is usually tuned to music from an era that was filled with rebellion and global crisis. Perhaps those times were similar to my growing up home life. 

I like listening to Christian music. It is familiar to me from my early church experiences. I grew up in Sunday School and Camp Meetings. I was a product of those times as well. Many of the lyrics brought me hope and the positive messages like the familiar words, “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.”

Life will either keeps us on our toes or step on our toes. I prefer the former. Though it is harder to adapt and we have to integrate to the current times. We cannot remain the same because the way we did it doesn’t always work. Think about how you make a phone call today. 

The tools we have to work with are different. We can actually find great opportunities if we learn to adapt. I knew a wonderful woman who lived to over 106 years old. She impressed me because even at her later years, she got a computer tablet. It was complete with the internet and apps. I asked her why she got one of those. She told me of all the benefits like the ability to keep up with family and friends and even make video calls. 

Change happens whether we like it or not. We cannot prevent it. We certainly can defy and resist but it will only make us frustrated.  Even watching TV can be a challenge even with so many options from internet apps, streaming programming. Aerial (remember rabbit ears?) broadcasting is now digital.  

No matter the changes we can hold to some things that do not change. Think about it. What do you hold to that has value? Beside a good investment or even your home, all things will parish. 

What remains true? No matter the times, there are certain values that shall remain. 

When I served as a pastor in Elkhart, Indiana, I was also doing part time work in Juvenile Court. Each month I would hold a class for youth who shoplifted. The class was a way to keep these first-time offenders from having to face court. 

In this class I would talk about values. Most of the students that shoplifted had the money to pay for the item. There are many reasons why they stole something. Nevertheless, I would ask the students to prioritize their values. What is important to them. Most chose faith and family as highest on their list. It was  through those positive choices that they could find a constant.

As we too make a list of those values that matter we find a foundation of which we can build upon. 

What do you value most? These are many to choose from. Love. Forgiveness. Friendship, Faith, Peace. Truth. Integrity. Honesty. Many to choose from.

Those that believe in Christ can find His value system. The Bible is filled with eternal values. Grace is central to God’s plan through Christ. 

I often say that integrity is spelled with two eyes. I suggest that we should live a life based on true and timeless values. Remember, others are watching you! 

I have spent many years in ministry. I have been a pastor in churches, chaplain in jail/prison and to police officers, foster parent, youth worker, as well as related local volunteerism in nursing/retirement homes, hospitals, Court Appointed Special Advocate, Juvenile Probation and youth home, and the list continues. In every place I have found that for those that do not hold to a strong support base that is value based struggle with insecurities, fearful, uncertainty, or similarly. 

Today, write down the eternal values that you can build your life around. It is interesting that when you build on a good foundation or, like a tree, your roots go deep that you can withstand hardships. 

What is important to you that will not pass away? Today, we find that the world is insecure. Nevertheless, we can find a security based on those values that shall not pass away. They are the foundation you can build upon! 

Assumptions.

Everyone of us act on the basis of certain assumptions. We have a particular belief system that might be the source of our motivation yet, we assume that our decision or action is the correct one.

Some of our assumptions are healthy. We can’t go through life doubting every action that we take. Of course, we know the old adage that goes with this; ann assumption might make us look like a fool. (A** … well, you know what that means, but if not, let’s talk.)

The role I serve is certainly based on me assuming certain things about other people. Recently, I attended the Global Leadership Summit where Craig Groeschel made a wonderful statement. He essentially said that trust is not earned, it is given. An attitude that communicates that trust is something that we can extend because of grace in the other. He said that the “best way to figure out if you can trust someone is to trust them!” He continues, “You are going to have to take a risk on someone.” 

I have enjoyed meeting those who I did not know prior. Sometimes I even walk into businesses and organizations to make introduction and offer them opportunities for us to partner together on behalf of the needs of young people in our community. I believe that our young people are worth the risk of rejection or of failure. I would not want to miss the opportunity just because I didn’t even try. 

Today’s focus helps us to remember that as Christians, trust is by default. We don’t learn to trust others based on their actions, but we can extend grace to another. If ever trust is violated, well, that’s another topic. Nonetheless, as we extend trust to others, it should reciprocate.

Whenever somebody has the attitude that they wait for someone to earn trust, we missed the point altogether about how invest to honor others. Love and grace are gifts which can be extended to others as we trust in them. A healthy team is a team that has trust as a value. 

We live in a society where  people no longer give trust. Our society is filled with cynical responses; whether it’s because of times that we live in or if we have been betrayed by someone. We may no longer trust what the news or others are telling us. It is natural for us to be skeptical with people we don’t know. Yet, too often it’s even found in the workplace with people that we do know. Trust is not easily given.

I have enjoyed reading several books on the topic of trust. One book that has become my favorite is written by Stephen M. R. Covey. (His father wrote the best seller, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.)

In the book, The Speed of Trust, M. R. covey says, 

“We tend to get what we expect – both from ourselves and from others. When we expect more, we tend to get more; when we expect less, we tend to get less.”

What does this mean? I think it is saying that trust builds a culture of trust.

I recognize that no one wants to be in a situation where they are betrayed or made to feel like a fool. All of us keep our guard up in an attempt to protect ourselves, but in reality, we are simply creating a bigger space between relationships. How can we trust someone if we don’t extend trust?

Each of us are in organizations where we can influence the culture of those that we work with. Not only by doing the right thing, but embracing the values that make up the organization. And a Christian organization, without a doubt we can assume he said of values that we could embrace. 

But even for non-Christian organizations, the set of values that we embrace can indeed cultivate a trusting environment. Of course, most especially for Christians we can extend the grace necessary to build a healthy relationship in our team, coworkers, and even the organization.

My challenge today is for each of us to go through life with a desire, and with intention to extend trust in others. We may be surprised to find that the more we give the more we will also receive and return.

From there, we just simply get to know each other better to learn how we can best coordinate and cooperate to build a healthy relationship in our team as well as in our organizations.

I dare you to go ahead and make an assumption. It is worth the risk of looking like a fool but when you dare to risk you will find a great reward. It is one reward that may extend you a lifelong friendship. Sometimes a risk is only what we perceive it to be, but not what is reality.

Instead of protecting your heart, take a risk and remove the space between relationships, and you may actually find a partner, a friend, and someone willing to embrace your ideas. We may find the we hold to the values that you believe in, as well as find results that you would’ve not experienced otherwise.

Unchanging Truths for Changing Times

Today I have the wonderful opportunity to share in the word at  Prairie Grove Christian Church. I shared the message, “Unchanging Truths for Changing Times”
To hear to full recording go to: PodBean Recording.

The seven deadly words / phrases by Louis Thaxton: 

It's impossible
It's not my fault
When?
Someday
I wish?
I don't have the time.
Not now.

"These words seem so harmless, but even a small dose of any of these can kill you, your motivation (business) and your success." - Thaxton

Chuck Swindoll once wrote: "I fear our generation is coming dangerously near the I'm getting tired so let's just quit mentality." He adds: "and not just in the spiritual realm. Dieting is a discipline, so we stay out of shape. Finishing school is a hassle, so we bail out. Cultivating a close relationship is painful, so we back off. Getting a book written – or read, is demanding, so we stop short."

1 Peter 1:4-6
"...and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while.”

Today I want to share with you six truths about God can change your life if you believe and act upon them. These were originally supplied by Rebecca Barlow Jordan.

This is a list of UN-imaginable & UN-changeable blessings! 

One – God's love is unfailing. 

Read Jeremiah 31:3(
“I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself."
God has decided to love us with the love that never fails.

In a day in which we live with trends and social media – instant communication and wavering ideals… Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. He is the same yesterday, today, in forever.

Two – God's character is unchanging.

Consider James 1:17; 
"Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow."

What a blessing we have that even though our times change from year-to-year, God's character does not change. The truth of God's word is still as relevant it is true as it has always been. 

Can you testified of this?

Someone once said, "Shadows move and shift with the sun. But God, who created and controls the sun does not change."

Three. God's power is unlimited.

Consider Luke 1:37;
"For nothing is impossible with God.”

Can you imagine what it must've been like for Mary? Having been told that a miracle was to occur in her and threw her… But she has to bear a son who would be the savior. That this would be a miracle birth…
Could you imagine Elizabeth who was told that she would also bear a child in her old-age. 

Can you imagine the fear, the uncertainty?

"God has nothing to prove. No one can defeat it; no one can explain it, no one can control it. God's power has no boundaries."

Has there ever been a time in your life where you needed God's power? Can you testify of a miracle that occurred on your behalf?

Four – God's forgiveness is unsearchable.

The following from Micah 7:19 (through 20) reads; 
"Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet, and throw them into the depths of the ocean!"

Our sin is gone forever? If you're lost something? Then you know the feeling it is when you finally find it. The emotion is compared to that, but yet even greater. When you realize that your sin is permanently lost in the depths of the ocean, you can rejoice that God’s faithfulness.

Five – God's promises are unending.

According to Deuteronomy 7:9;
"Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands."

Can you believe that you can count on him?
Have you ever been lied to? Yet in the midst of someone telling you a lie you knew that they were not telling you the truth?

The number of promises that God gives us is so great! 

How many promises are there in the Bible? 

Herbert Lockyer, in his volume ‘All the Promises of the Bible,' tells the story of Everett R. Storms, a school- teacher in Canada, who made a detailed study of promises. According to Storms, of Kitchener, Ontario, Canada there are enough promises for every hour of every day for a full year! During his twenty-seventh reading of the Bible, a task which took him a year and a half, Storms came up with a grand total of 8,810 promises (7,487 been created by God specifically given to humans as individuals.”

https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1769&context=leaven

Six – God's sovereignty is unexplainable.

Who is God? Can we put Him on a box? 

From the message Bible – Romans 11:33 - 
"Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!"

The Message Bible reads; "God is the blessed controller. That means we are not. To the believer, that's both unnerving and comforting. Sovereignty makes God boss, not us. We don't need to worry – things are not out of His control."
We quote the saying, God is good, God is great! How wonderful to know of God’s greatness! 

According to Psalms 73:25-26: 
"Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever."

God is: 
unconditional love, 
unchanging character, 
unlimited power, 
unsearchable forgiveness, 
unending promises, 
and unexplainable sovereignty.

Hebrews 12:27-28;
"This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that all unshakable things will remain. Since we are receiving a kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful in please God by worshiping him with only fear and all."

The Winds of Change!

A alternate title could be: Testimony of God’s Spirit; like the changing of a season, God offers us hope.

What does “Winds of Change mean?” The winds of change is a plural noun.

Merriam-Webster define this as — “forces that have the power to changethings —It is used generally to mean change is going to happen.”

We recently celebrated Pentecost Sunday. It is a celebrated event that phappened 50-Days from Christ Resurrection. 

Consider reading the prior article shared recently. It speaks of such an incredible blessing that it is to have the work of the Holy Spirit “unleashed” in our lives! Pentecost is marked by the unleashing of God’s Spirit upon the world into every believer!

It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ while they were in Jerusalem celebrating the Feast of Weeks, as described in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 2:1–31).[3]

There is a "mighty rushing wind" (wind is a common symbol for the Holy Spirit)[34][35] and "tongues as of fire" appear.[36] The gathered disciples were "filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance".

The mighty rushing wind is the physical outpouring of God’s promised event. It is spoken of by Jesus when He told them to wait for He was sending the Spirit of God upon them! 

What joy it must have been to see the mighty movement of God “unleashed” upon those believers - which birthed the Church. (Acts 2)

Similarly was the teaching of Jesus when Nicodemus met with him at night, perhaps in secret. It was at a time when Jesus was recruiting His followers and gaining in popularity with His ministry! 

We see some similar language being used when Jesus speaks of a spiritual birth. Being re-born of the Spirit! 

We read this account in John 3:1-21.

Read John 3:1-15 — (English Standard Version)

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus[a] by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again[b] he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.[c] 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You[d] must be born again.’ 8 The wind[e] blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. **So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”**

9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you[f] do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.[g] 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.[h]

—

The story of Nicodemus and being born of the Spirit is our topic today’s article. What does it mean to be born again in the Spirit? 

When Jesus speaks of the Wind it is as a metaphor for the Holy Spirit! 

Today we look at one of the testimonies that Jesus gives which is God’s Spirit.

When the Spirit is set free in the world, there are three significant actions — these are summarized through the testimony of Nicodemus. These are found in John 3 (as written about by John). 

There are three distinct things that Jesus speaks of in His message to Nicodemus. They are “Winds of Change” we too could experience - especially as we reflect upon the season of Pentecost. 

Times are changing —- but not of God’s Spirit — but, by the spirit of the Anti-Christ. Times are changing — there are winds of change that impact all of us!! 

Like seasons, we are experiencing the winds of change! 

The Testimony of God’s Spirit; like the changing of a season, God offers us hope.

-I love the summer, don’t you? It is fast approaching - June 21 - Summer Solstice will be here before we know it. 

-It is hotter with longer stretches of dry weather with a chance of pop-up storms. 

Summer School. I remember growing up with summer break from school. But … one year I had to attend several weeks of the dreaded Summer School. 

• it was because I missed a lot of school for some reason.
• it felt like punishment (while others went to the beach, I sent to school.)
• I had to do homework! (I hated homework.)
• Everyday seemed to go on forever!

The one thing I learned at Summer School was that I didn’t want to repeat that experience! I vowed to work hard to never repeat that summer. 

Most of the time, the winds of change from school to summer break were wonderful. I welcomed every day with fun & excitement with my friends. 

While Nicodemus was well-learned, (as a Pharisee & member of the Sanhedrin) he was being given a crash course in good theology about WHO God us (His nature to give), WHAT God does (His actions to save), and WHY God goes out of His way to prove His mercy (His motive). 

1. Only God Gives (through Jesus). John 3:16. He is a GIVER.

Today I want to share from one of the most popular verses in the Bible. it comes out of John chapter 3. 

-We see it on advertisement and businesses. We see it on the delivery and  fleet trucks. We see it on national television during sporting events.

Most popular verse in the Bible. 

3:16 is easily identified as a biblical reference to this popular verse.

Today we will expand a bit in that section. however, crosswalk.com as identified John 3:16 as the most popular. 

“Several themes connect these popular Bible verses: Connecting with God, living with purpose, and finding strength. Those themes are all vital aspects of living well.” - The 20 Most Popular Bible Verses in the Bible in 2023

Add another article from World Vision (UK) entitles “John 3:16 is the world’s most popular Bible verse.”

John 3:16 :: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

“The most popular Bible verse in the world is John 3:16, which is searched (justthrewcrosswalk.com) over two million times each month across the globe.” Most popular Bible verse in the world | World Vision UK

In again, we see its popularity:

“On Instagram, the hashtag #john316 has been used on over 250,000 posts. Moving over to TikTok, the current hotspot for social sharing, we can see that videos with the hashtag #john316 have been viewed 55.9 million times! This verse is one that resonates with people worldwide and inspires them to share its message.”

Most popular Bible verse in the world | World Vision UK

**Total popularity! John 3:16 – most popular — 2,100,000 monthly searches. (2 million & 100,000)

In the context of the story of Nicodemus, is this profound truth: Only God gives what will last for eternity.

Incredible isn’t it?! The God of the universe who created everything is not a disinterested deity, but has a very personal connection with each of us.

It is by his actions that we come to understand his very character. He is a giver.

Philippians 4:8 tells us that anything good comes from God.

[8] Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

We who cannot help ourselves and are in great need of God, who alone can help us.

Whether in your childhood or adulthood, it is an easy to remember passage of scripture or a verse that brings you great comfort today - John 3:16 remains at the top of most people’s Memory.

Given all that the internet has to offer — YouTube, Social Media, Webpages, YouVerse Bible App and many others, not to mention all the ways we can communicate … our culture has never been more lonely and lost!! 

We are blessed because of What Only God can give! Yet, there’s more.

2. Only God Saves (through Jesus). John 3:17. He does all He can because of LOVE. 

It is truly exciting to realize what God does on our behalf. It’s an incredible story that is woven all through scripture. 

John 3:17 :: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn* the world, but that the world might be saved through him.”

This is why so many find hope in Jesus! 

It is a story of triumphs and battles won!

It is a story of transformation!

It is the story of love! 

We sit here today, because we have been impacted by God’s story to us. It is a story that the world did not give and it cannot take away.

Youth For Christ NiN, we use an image that best describes our mission and purpose. It is three circles - one on top of the other that are attached.

Three circles :: YFC Logo:

The top circle is God story to us

The other two circles would not even exist without this first one.

Our mission and ministry for young people is imperative because we have the opportunity to tell our story - What God does! 

He is the God who saves!! 

Our testimony (of what God does) may be the only link to the least, last, lost, and lonely! 

Your testimony should include:

A. Who Jesus is - Good theology of God.

B. What God has done in you because of Jesus’s sacrifice.

C. How the fresh Wind of  Change (like Nicodemus)  that has made you a new creation in Christ. (In the Spirit.)

D. Don’t be afraid to share what challenges you have faced and how God has helped. TEST in testimony. 

• ONLY God GIVES. (his character)
• ONLY God SAVES. (What He does)

AND there is yet one more!

3. Only God Judges (through Jesus). John 3:18. He is motivated by MERCY. 

It is easy to compare our blessings and think that these are entitlements -  because we deserve them.  

What may be surprising to many is that there are examples of judgmental opinions that are mention throughout scripture.  There were those that thought that the goodness of God was automatic and only applied to them! 

Philip recruiting Nathanael :: When one of the disciples made introduction about meeting the Messiah, he indicated that it was Jesus of Nazareth. The response may actually surprise many -  it did for one of the  soon-to-be disciples, saying, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:45-46)

46 “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip.

— 

Another example is when the disciples noted that when Jesus wanted them to make preparations to visit Samaria. You may recall that the Samaritans were considered “less-than” people. They were half-breeds and not worthy of God’s mercy! 

The two disciples were rather offended when they learned that Samaritans didn’t welcome Jesus, stating that he was “simply on his way to Jerusalem.” (A drive-by visit.) 

In defense of Jesus, they asked if He wanted them to call fire from heaven to destroy them.

Luke 9:54-55 New International Version (NIV)

When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” But Jesus turned and rebuked them.

https://www.bible.com › compare

Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?

ILL: First Nations : Injustice still occurs.

— my mother in-law is part of the Miami Nation. She experienced injustice. Like a Samaritan, she was considered “less than.”

There’s not time to share fully with you, but, I loved what she had to say in a presentation related to the history of the First Nations.

“Do you want to know what true injustice is from our history of America? Where do you look? 

If you look to those who were generally treated bad isn’t pretty but a true historical case of genocide was pronounced upon our American soil. The killing of the Indian.” (Long pause.) 

She continues; “Yet, I have found a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, which enables me to heal and find hope and my identity in Christ!” 

Essentially what my mother-in-law was referring to has to do with God’s MERCY, that each of us can experience!

What we know about God, through Jesus Christ, is that his motive for his judgment upon our lives is based on mercy.

I’m not a Universalist nor a Unitarian — I believe there are consequences for sin. I also know that we need to have a personal relationship in Jesus Christ in order to find eternal peace in the presence of Christ. 

I once was honored to share the plan of salvation at a Unitarian-Universalist Church. (I was asked to represent Christianity.)

As I unfolded a 10-foot graphic depicting various streams of Christianity, I pointed out to them where they came from and their historical roots to the Christan faith.

“You have your roots in the family tree of Christianity. Your church was a descendent of these roots. Well, you may have branched out separate, it is only because of Jesus, but we can find hope and healing!

God’s grace and power to save and mercy is not free!

Only God Gives (through Jesus). John 3:16. He is a GIVER.

• He is the source of such benevolence because He gave His only son! (A price was paid.)

Only God Saves (through Jesus). John 3:17. He does all He can because of LOVE to save! 

• He is a God who alone is love - not to condemn but to save! 

Only God Judges (through Jesus). John 3:18. He is motivated by MERCY. 

• He is motivated to judge out of mercy! We too see the lost, least, last, lonely :: We too judge when we see them but respond in mercy! 

Closing: Light versus darkness. John 3:19-21.

John 3:19-21

And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.”

—

Today, the winds of change are blowing. But, I invite you to find hope because the wind of God’s Spirit wants to give us a story of redemption and reconciliation. While the world may becoming more darkened, we have the light of Christ living within us (that being the Holy Spirit) to help us know how to live right.

Just as Nicodemus came to learn that it was not WHAT he knew that really mattered, but WHO he was in Christ that really made a difference so he could become merciful to others! 

Nicodemus joined as one of the later disciples as you well know. He became a follower because he sat aside pride and self …. 

— to receive what only God could give.

— to become what only God could do in you!

— to extend to others what only God could provide!

I love what compassion.com said about Mercy, defining it, in its purest core, as a quality - only through Jesus Christ! 

“What is the biblical definition of mercy? Mercy appears in the Bible as it relates to forgiveness or withholding punishment. For example, God the Father showed mercy on us when he sacrificed his son, Christ Jesus, on the Cross to pay the price for our sins.”

https://www.compassion.com/poverty/mercy-definition.htm

Let me leave you with this final summary of our understanding of John 3.

“It is only by God’s grace—His undeserved mercy—that we can have eternal life with Him in heaven. Our role is to have faith, to believe Christ died for us and ask Him to forgive our sins. The simple meaning behind John 3:16 is that you are loved by God and can be forgiven.” - Billy Graham Ministries. 

Consider the following sorry recently found in today’s headlines. Blow Up Bounce Houses are assailed aloft because of the wind! 

The POWER OF THE WIND! -Incredible. -Impactful. 

Reported: https://news.uga.edu/bounce-houses-caused-479-injuries-28-deaths/— Leigh Beeson

“It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt … or dies. And a lack of regulations and oversight surrounding a popular, easily rentable party feature could be putting tens of thousands of children at risk, according to new research from the University of Georgia.

The study found at least 479 people were injured and 28 died worldwide in more than 130 bounce house accidents due to weather events since 2000. But the researchers caution that these estimates are likely an undercount.

These injuries are on top of an estimated 10,000 ER visits in the U.S. each year because of bounce house-related accidents that regularly result in broken bones, muscle sprains and concussions.”

May the fresh wind of God’s Spirit be in you!