They all share a birthday today with our Armando Hernandez! Happy birthday Armando! Your birthday leads right into today's topic about having a birthday, a spiritual birthday. Read John 3:1-21 now.
Wouldn't it be nice to have an easy to understand commentary on the gospel of John? Then here's a birthday gift for you that I recently found online- http://www.easyenglish.info/bible-commentary/john-ma-lbw.htm You can scroll down and find today's passage or any other passage in John. For that matter, the entire Bible is available with easy to understand explanations- http://www.easyenglish.info/. I give it two thumbs up because they did their careful study, yet kept the explanations in easy English. You could pass this site on even to youth. Next week I'll give you a bit more scholarly commentary site.
My only addition to it would be to add more commentary on controversial 3:5. Being born of water and the Spirit could refer, as they state, to the water of physical birth followed by the Spirit giving spiritual birth to a person at salvation. But that seems odd to say to a person who has obviously already been born that he needs to be physically born. It certainly doesn't refer to the water of baptism, though you will meet some Christians who believe in baptismal regeneration- that you have to be water baptized to be saved. Lots of other passages teach otherwise, and the testimony of countless people who experienced radical transformations after getting saved before they ever got baptized also rule that view out. So the water is probably being used in a symbolic and synonymous sense for the washing of the Spirit at salvation- Paul writes in Titus 3:6, "He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit." Also Eph.5:26 speaks of the word of God symbolically cleansing us "by the washing with water through the word..."
I have a red letter NIV Ryrie Study Bible, so the words of Christ are highlighted in red. John 3:16-21 is all in red in my Bible, but I wonder if those words were actually John's commentary on Jesus. I'll let you decide that. It really doesn't matter, because the words in black are just as inspired as those in red. "All Scripture is God breathed" 2 Tim.3:16.
1.- After reading through John 3:1-21 and using the above commentary on it, share one insight you gleaned. (Then put a verse or phrase on your MP3 card and look for opportunities to enrich others with it.)
Of course the most popular verse in all the Bible, John 3:16, is in our passage today and the Gospel is right in it- 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."
2.- So let's celebrate birthdays today. Here's the link to- On This Day.com. http://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/august/14
Go to your birthday and discover and share one or more people listed there who share your birthday. (This could be a nice link to send to someone on their birthday.)
Israel has taken out time in his busy day to share with others. Last week he wrote, "Today, I met a man, Jay, from Toronto, Canada, who is originally from India. I shared my testimony with him and we talked about God for an hour :). I also shared Christ with a contractor friend of mine who is not saved. It felt great to plant and water some seeds of faith :)" Way to go Israel in seeking to help these men to be born again.
"Born once, die twice. Born twice, die once."
See you Sunday at 11:30 if you attend New Life. It's going to be a big event!
1. John 3:17 "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."
ReplyDeleteThis does not mean that everyone will be saved but rather only those who choose to leave their sinful ways and decide to follow Christ. Thank you Lord for the great privilege of being your followers, may we continue to be bold witnesses so that others may also believe.
2. Tammy Faye Bakker - gospel singer.
Very good Roger!
DeleteAmen Roger. Thx Lord for Salvation
DeleteYes BOLD witnesses! Amen to that roger.
DeleteAmen! Great post, Roger!
DeleteMy sister-in-law use to argue with me you are not saved if your not baptized, it took her years to realize she was wrong. 3;18
ReplyDeleteI think She was right in a way John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, 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. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
DeleteSo glad to have you aboard Lemmy! I will be introducing you to the team on Monday's blog.
DeleteOn my birthday I found a couple of murder victims, ww2 German field marshal, movies stars but the one that I hate is Bret Favre
ReplyDeleteJohn 3:18- Bingo!
DeleteAw, whatcha gotta against ol' Bret? :)
1. John 1:10-11 NIV, "You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus "and you do not understand these things. Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony"
ReplyDelete2. 10/28 - Bill Gates, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Jonas Salk, Charlie Daniels, and Bruce Jenner- A real shocker! LoL!
Quite the line up of birthday brothers (though Bruce may no longer qualify:)
DeleteBruce Jenner --- LOL . On a serious note, we need to pray for that guy, satan has a grip on him :( but Christ can break that grip and save Bruce Jenner. Oh Lord, break the chains and lies of the enemy and lead Bruce to Christ, please Lord Jesus, lead him to Christ, Amen
DeleteHappy Birthday Armando!
ReplyDeleteI second this. Happy birthday Armando.
DeleteJohn 3:18(NIV) Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
ReplyDeleteThank you Lord for my brothers and sisters that believe you are Lord and Savior. I pray for the rest that have not yet accepted you. I pray that they will see the truth and come to You. God bless!
2. Andrew Carnegie, Joe DiMaggio, Donovan McNabb,
Thanks for the great prayer as well Sam.
DeleteAmen, what an inspiring prayers for brothers in Christ and for those who are yet to come to know Christ as their lord as savior. The bible teaches that in the book of Roman 14:11, For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. beautiful prayers brother Sam.
DeleteAmen Sam. We have a lot of work in front of us to help God and lead them to advance his Kingdom
DeleteAmen Sam great prayer.
Delete1. John 3:21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God."
ReplyDeleteIt amazes me when people do wrong they try to hide it. God sees it all,the good and the bad. When people do wicked things they always run when it is exposed. When thing are seen justice prevails. Our spirits are the same way. You can see when someone is following good by his actions. Someone that people want to be around. Followers of God radiate a good vibe. Everything they do is for God.
2. September 22, Andrea Bocelli,Tom Lasorda and of course me!
I picked the same verse as well Horacio.
DeleteMy favorites from Sept 22nd is the last one :)
That is right we cannot hide from God.
Delete1. - John 3: 17 “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
ReplyDeleteGod sent Jesus to rescue us from the results of our sins. He did not send Jesus to punish us. But that does not mean that everyone will avoid punishment. It is our choice.
2. – My birthday Jan. 2. And others Novelist & Poet James Joyce (1882), American Football Player, Coach, Owner, and Pioneer George Halas (1895), Actress Farrah Fawcett Texas, actress (Charley's Angels) (1947) and Singer Shakira (1977).
Very good Oscar!
DeleteYou've got quite the lineup there. Glad there's a godly man of God now born on that day.
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DeleteOscar, Cheryl Ladd was on mine, I wonder if anyone has the 3rd angel. :)
DeleteThat is right it is our choice that we have to make to follow Jesus.
Delete1. John 3:3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again."
ReplyDeleteThere is no way around it, no amount of good deeds that can save a person, no way of sneaking in. Without being born again there is simply no way of getting into heaven.
2. 9/20 Juan Pablo Montoya-Indy Car driver
Very true Mike. Good verse.
DeleteYou are so right Mike. But sometimes people think born again means something entirely differently then how Christ explains it. Born again does not mean reform or turning over a new leaf. It doesn't mean becoming religious, becoming a church goer or having a change of heart either. Born again is when the Holy Spirit imparts God's divine nature with in us. Only with God's nature within can we begin to understand and know the things of God. And praise be to God that the Holy Spirit has placed God's divine nature within us bro.
Delete1. This is what I gleaned from today:Jesus, the Son of Man, is the only connection between heaven and earth. He was in heaven but he came down to live with us on the earth. After his death and *resurrection, he returned to heaven. And now he lives in our spirits by means of the *Holy Spirit.
ReplyDelete2. Rick James and I share a birthday.
Thanks Eddie. Now I've got Super Freak stuck in my head. :)
Delete2. Albert Schweitzer and Mark Anthony
ReplyDeleteIf they were still alive, they would be in very good company with you :)
Delete1) “Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.”
ReplyDeleteJohn 3:5-6
2) Roy O. Disney co-founder of Disney productions and brother to Walt Disney
Jack Dempsey
So glad the Spirit has given new birth to you, Ricardo.
Delete1. "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil." John 3:19
ReplyDelete"This is the verdict" A verdict is something that is rendered in a court of law and justice. God's verdict is Righteous!!!
2. I share a birthday with:1. Bill Gates, Microsoft founder 2. Mahmoud Almadinejad, Iran president 3. Julia Roberts, Actress
Robert. So we choose to help him advance his Kingdom before the return of Jesus.
DeleteMahmoud Almadinejad, Iran president --- Interesting, we need to seriously Pray for this leader, even though he is no longer their president.
Delete1. John 3:5 Jesus answered, very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of god unless they are born of water and the spirit
ReplyDeleteJesus said that a person needs two births. The first is the natural birth of the body. This happens by means of one’s parents. The second birth is a *spiritual birth. Only the *Holy Spirit can make this happen.
2. 1220 - Alexander Nevsky, Pereslavl-Zalessky, Vladimir-Suzdal, Prince of Novgorod and Grand Prince of Vladimir, considered the key figure in medieval Rus (1252-63).
Good Jose- Born once die twice, born twice die once.
Delete1. John 3:17 " for God did not send his Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but the world might be saved through Him." Although Jesus has all judgement entrusted in him-God's purpose was to offer a plan of Salvation for all who receive it. CS Lewis' words " there are only 2 kinds of people in the end; those who say to God, " thy will be done, and those to whom God says " thy will be done."
ReplyDeleteJack, I like the CS Lewis quote.
DeleteYes thank God for his plan for salvation. Without it we would all be lost.
Delete1
ReplyDeleteJoh 3:8 The wind 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."
The interesting thing to get at in verse 3:8 is the nature of the Holy spirit and further the nature of God; his is that He is not understandable. Even with things revealed and for a person who is born again full understanding of God is limited. This is elaborated in 3:12 and spoken earlier in Isaiah 55:9
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
2
I saw Mitt Romney on March 12, an Ironic thing. as well as Jon Provost which looks like he is the actor from Lassie.
I like that break down Gary! See you Sunday brother ;)
Delete1) John talks about how Jesus use to talk so that his true believers would understand and believe once all his prophecy came true after he died and remembering that Jesus's is the path to God.
ReplyDeleteAmen! Very good Andre!
Delete2) Beatrice of England, Duchess of Brittanny (d. 1275)
ReplyDelete1.John 3:17 "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son."
ReplyDeleteWe have established from prior study of the Gospel of John that God the Son, the Word, is the expression of God the Father, an expression of love for mankind sent by God and born into human form to walk among us. That idea is reiterated by the first of these two verses: God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but rather to express His love for the entire world. The second verse clarifies the importance of the Son...of God expression of love: those who believe that God loves them are saved by this love, for they know its source and they love the source in return. Those who do not believe that God loves them condemn themselves, for they have decided that they cannot be loved and live life unloved. The name of Jesus is our reminder of God's love. When we speak the name of the Son, we speak of God's love and are reminded that because the Father loves us, He gave His only Son to die on our behalf and redeem us from the power of sin.
2. A philosopher and a legendary Chicago Blackhawk share a birthday with me, January 3rd.
106 BC - Cicero, Roman statesman and philosopher (d. 43 BC)
1939 - Bobby Hull, Pointe Anne Ontario, Canadian NHL forward (Chicago Blackhawk 1957-72)
Awesome explanation Osiris! I always get alot out of reading your blogs!
Delete1. “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.” John 3:17 ESV
ReplyDeleteHe was sent here to save us because God loves us.
2. Randy Jackson
Great verse James!
Delete1. 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.
ReplyDelete2. John Rockefeller
Kevin Bacon
Beck
Good verse choice, Phil!
Delete1. John 3:14-15 - And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; that whoever believes may in Him have eternal life. Numbers 21 tells of when the complaining people of Israel were bitten by fiery serpents, they could in faith look at a serpent on a pole (which is still the symbol of doctor's offices today) and be healed. We who have been bitten by the fiery serpent of sin can look to the cross and "believe in Him" and be healed.
ReplyDelete2. Sept 5- King Louis VIII, King Louis XIV (both kings of France)
Sharing birthdays with the Kings!!!! Sounds like a powerful day to be born!
DeleteGood post, Tim! Thanks for sharing.
Delete1. John 3:11 says " Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. " ---- This new commentary says this about this verse, something that I never noticed. ( Jesus used the plural ‘we’ in verse 11. Some people think that he was referring to the *disciples. But the *disciples had known Jesus only for a short time. So perhaps Jesus was including God the *Father and the *Holy Spirit with himself.) Maybe Jesus was claiming to be ONE with the Father, since He is :)
ReplyDelete2. 1899 - Henry "Indiana" Jones Jr, fictional character "Indiana Jones" ; 1952 - Dan Aykroyd, Ottawa Canada, comedian/actor ; Princess of Wales Diana Spencer (1961) ;
Israel, that's interesting that he used "we" thanks for sharing the commentary.
Delete1) John 3:7 You should not be surprised at my saying, “You must be born again.”
ReplyDeleteI have a very good commentary on the Gospel of John that's called “Exposition of the Gospel of John by by Arthur W. Pink. I checked to see Pink's explanation about what Jesus meant by “water” when he said that no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Pink states that “born of water means born of the cleansing and purifying Word of God.” He makes this point by showing that the Word is the instrument used by God in regeneration.” In every other passage where the instrument of the new birth is described, it is always the Word of God that is mentioned.” Pink also makes this statement: “ No sinner is quickened apart from the Word.” This makes very good sense to me.
2) Famous names born on my birthday that I recognized were: Shirley Winters, Roman Polanski, & Robert Redford.
Dave, thanks for sharing Pink's commentary. It's a good explanation.
Delete1 – John 3: 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. I chose this verse because I felt being right after one of the most famous verses in the bible it probably gets overlooked. Not only did God send his only son to die for us He did it to rescue us from the results of our sins.
ReplyDelete2 – Unfortunately I share a birthday with Bill Cosby & Ri fortunately I also share it with some better company -Milton Berle, George Eastman (inventor Kodak camera) & Cheryl Ladd
Thanks also for all your encouraging comments to others George!
Delete1- John 3:2-3New Living Translation (NLT)
ReplyDelete2 After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.”
3 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again,[a] you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”
Great to read of all the great things Jesus is doing to prove he is Lord. Some believe others still doubt.
2- Vlade Divac, Yugoslavia, NBA center (Charlotte Hornets, LA Lakers)
Daddy Yankee, reggaeton singer/rapper.
Pretty cool list of people born on my birthday
They should be honored to share it with you Vince.
Delete1. “This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil.”
ReplyDeleteJohn 3:19 NASB
http://bible.com/100/jhn.3.19.nasb
Judgement come because of love of sin and darkness.
2. A lot of composers.
Cap Anson- baseball player
Anton LaVey founder of church of satan (Lovely)😈
In line with the verse you picked out, LaVey loved darkness rather than light because his deeds were evil. So glad you love the light Nic.
Delete1. John 3:3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.
ReplyDeleteVery important scripture. Being born again. Nicodemus was confused about that. He was all knowing about the Bible but being born again he did not know.
2. February 15 - Matt Groening a cartoonist for the Simpsons.
Yes Chuy, and like Nicodemus, there are very educated, religious people that still don't have a clue about being born again. You will see them interviewed on TV speaking against Christ's substitutionary death and resurrection.
Delete1.- Jn. 3:20
ReplyDeleteEveryone who does evil hates the light will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.
This verse I definitely can relate to on a personal note. The light is my salvation, my secrets are no more, I've removed myself from ever traveling in darkness, I've repent of my sinful pass, and my light and LORD SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST is my renewed source of life.
Job 24:13-17
There are those who rebel against the light, who do not know its ways or stay it's paths. When daylight is gone, the murderer rises up, kills the poor and needy, and in the night steals forth like a thief. The eye of the adulterer watches for dusk; he thinks, ' No eye will see me,' and he keeps his face concealed. In the dark, thieves break into houses, but by day they shut themselves in; they want nothing to do with the light. For all of them, midnight is there morning; they make friends with the terrors of darkness.
Great commentary site, thanks Dave, I'm always looking for interpretations of verses to better assist me.
2. Names that share my birthday day;
Annie Oakley, Alfred Hitchcock, Fidel Castro n Danny Bonaduce
Happy Birthday, Armando! I hope you had a great day. God bless!
DeleteHappy birthday!!! Hope you had a great day thanks for all you do to help others.
DeleteHappy birthday Arrmado and great cross reference!
Delete1.John 3:18 NIV
ReplyDelete[18] Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
- God is making it clear that we can not know Him or be reconciled to him outside of our total dependence on jesus.
2.Roman Emperor Domitian (Oct 24th)
Oct 24th
Very excellent verse choice Dave!
DeleteThought you would also get a good laugh from the Gary Larson cartoon :)
Delete1) John 3:14-15 "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.""
ReplyDeleteIn the same way that the bronze snake was the only way for the wandering Israelites to be healed from the deadly snake bites, Jesus is the only remedy for our sin and its horrible consequences.
2) March 25th- I share it with Bela Bartok and Arturo Toscanini as well as my younger brother Ronald (He was born on my 14th birthday).
Wow Alex! My daughters are only six days apart plus two years, but you and Ronald on the same day!
Delete1) It was interesting how they said in the commentary about Jesus saying born of water. I feel strongly based on my previous studies that it is referencing first birth (natural, physical).
ReplyDelete2) I was born on October 26, 1988. I share birthdays with the likes of Keith Urban, Hillary Clinton, and Composer Masaharu Iwata, and Felix the Cat!
Glad you are a student of Scripture William!
Delete1. John3:18. Those who believe in the Son are not judged; but those who do not believe have already been judged, because they have not believed in God's only Son.
ReplyDeleteIf one trusts in Jesus, he is saved. If one does not trust in Jesus he is already condemned. Jesus has given us the gift of salvation. To reject Jeaus is to throw away the gift of God.
2. March 29
John Tyler. 1790, 10 th president
Eugene McCarthy 1916. Sen. D Minnesota
Pearl Baile . 1918. Singer
Terrance Hill 1941, actor
Good Louie! Hope the work schedule has lightened for you now.
Delete1.Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,
ReplyDeleteJohn 3:14 After reading the commentary on this verse I would also add that if you look at the ambulances that snake is on the medical ambulances. Thus this came from the Bible.
November 3rd never heard of any of the famous people that I share a birthday with.
ReplyDeleteHey George! I see that you were born on the same day as Actor Charles Bronson, Godzilla :) and Dr. D.James Kennedy. He was a a great radio pastor out of Coral Ridge Florida and founder of Evangelism Explosion (E.E.) that has helped train people all over the world in sharing the gospel.
ReplyDelete1 I didnt really read any new insight. I was reminded that the kingdom of God already exists and that we as members of that kingdom aught to be at work for our king.
ReplyDeleteThis concept is also why the Mennonites and the Amish refuse to get involved in politics and even vote; they say it doesnt concern them since they belong to a separate kingdom. They also emphasize the separation of church and state in that the church is called to separate itself from the world and focus on building the kingdom.
2 Liv Taylor
So good to see your picture again Ed and read your good words!
Delete1.Jesus used the plural ‘we’ in verse 11. Some people think that he was referring to the *disciples. But the *disciples had known Jesus only for a short time. So perhaps Jesus was including God the *Father and the *Holy Spirit with himself.
ReplyDeleteThat quickly raised a question of who was "we" on this verse on who was Jesus referring to? To conclude many scholars have different answers and two being on the above phrase. But also remember not all will be answered for yet again God is mysterious in such cases for "His thoughts are not ours".Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?
John 3:11-12 NIV
http://bible.com/111/jhn.3.11-12.NIV
People sharing same birthday is Usaint Bolt (sprinter), Wilt Chamberlain (basketball player), Sergey Brin (co founder of Google)
ReplyDeleteSo glad to see you on the blog Ismael amidst all the busyness with the birth of Olivia.
ReplyDeleteGreat digging on the above verse.