Don't Be Devoured!

Many in the world are familiar with quote John 3:16. Some I imagine have heard it mentioned but don't know what it is about. I, myself have seen the Book, Chapter and verse posted on sites all across the United States of America in my travels. I often wonder when I see it, "Will people know this is a Bible verse and search it out on their own?"

I have to admit, we live in a fast paced world and often a soundbite is all one can get out in a crowd. Obama is by far one of the best sound bite machines I have ever watched in my life. I know there are some big fans of his out there. I am only a fan of God and I see man for man; we all fall short. Our president is no different, nor were any of the previous ones so please don't take me the wrong way. I was pointing out how influential some soundbites can be depending on how they are introduced. 

I am not certain that random signs with John 3:16 written on them are delivering the power of the truth in that message!

For those who have never taken the time to search the actual message out, this is what John 3:16 tells us:

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16, NASB)

My question for you is this, "How can you believe in someone or something that you have no knowledge of?"

My next question is this, "If you are seeking life after death, wouldn't you at least be curious enough to search out this Son of God on your own time?" 

Searching Him out on your own time does not mean going to church once a week. While that can be helpful; surrounding yourself with others who love God, not all churches teach. Sadly, the majority preach. I don't like to be preached to, but I love to learn! That is what my home church does. Honestly at Leavener, I often feel like I am sitting in Bible College because you learn more than just the words in the Bible. You are taught about the setting in history and the original context of the words themselves is often broken down. This adds massive flavor and color to the books in the Bible and gives one so much greater understanding as well as a personal desire to learn on ones own. 

Now, if I were to post soundbite signs across the USA, I think I would pick John 3:17 as my soundbite shout out to the world:

"For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him." (John 3:17, NASB)

You see, we have a mutual enemy in this world, evil. Evil lies to us about who we are and labels us as unworthy to be saved. This is a lie. God obviously found us worthy enough to send his son after us! It is so important for us, especially at this time in history to come to know and understand what is truly against us in all things in this world! You will only discover the depths of shrewdness and how to best protect yourself against such a foe in the word of God!

It irks me to no ends when people say, "God has already decided who gets saved." or "There are only 144,000 people that God is going to save" or "The Bible says those who are saved are predestined already so what's the point?"

While there is some truth in these statements, they are far from absolute truth! The enemy always uses partial truths to snare us. It is why he is so effective! We need to KNOW the truth in order to defend it. How can you know it if all you do is stand on others soundbites?

In reading God's word for myself, one thing is certain, we all fall short, we are all sinners in need of help!

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; (Romans 3:23, NASB)

Now granted these 3 verses I have shared today are indeed soundbites, but they are statements of absolute truth. These also are VERY important truths in the fight against the lie of evil that tells us that its already been decided who gets saved and who does not! Allow me to build the case for truth:

For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. (Romans 12:3, NASB)

But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (Matthew 5:44-45, NASB)

First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgiving, be mad on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all . . . (1 Timothy 2:1-6, NASB)

I have a boatload more to share but let us connect the dots with these:

• God sent his son to save the world (all creation, not just mankind but the world as well, remember that it to is in a fallen state!)
• He did not send His son into the world to judge us, but to save us! ALL of us!
• If only some are predestined to be saved, why provide all of us with a measure of faith?
• Obviously God blesses all of His children and creation with sun and rain. (Karma is a misnomer. good and evil happen to those who are both good and evil. Those who thank the LORD daily also petition for more blessings and He is a faithful God, my advice; "Get to know Him!)
• God makes it obvious again and again and again that He wishes all of us would turn to Him and be saved. It is our FREE WILL to do so as it is our FREE WILL to ignore the life line He so lovingly provided to ALL!

I did not come to where I am today overnight. I truly sought to understand God's word. Today, I know who I am in Christ and it is what that knowledge did for me that drives me to share the truth with others. Yes, I will have eternal life, but on top of that, I am living an abundant life in the midst of a fallen world. I cannot tell you how FREEING that is. How joyful I am in spite of all the junk that the evil in the world tries to throw in my path. This is the good news! Another great thing my church has done is to compile a list of verses that share who you are in Christ. Check them out! 

Be blessed my friends! Life is worth living abundantly. Discover the truth for yourself and stand firm in your faith! The enemy is indeed a roaring lion and it is us that he longs to devour! Don't get eaten!!

Wendy, Mom of Many, Walks with God!

© Wendy Glidden 2016