Gospel of John, Chapter 3 (ESV)

Joh 3:1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.
Joh 3:2 This man came to Jesus 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.”
Joh 3:3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Joh 3:4 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?”
Joh 3:5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
Joh 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Joh 3:7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’
Joh 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.”
Joh 3:9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?”
Joh 3:10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things?
Joh 3:11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony.
Joh 3:12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things?
Joh 3:13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.
Joh 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up,
Joh 3:15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
Joh 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Joh 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.
Joh 3:18 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.
Joh 3:19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil.
Joh 3:20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.
Joh 3:21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his deeds have been carried out in God.”
Joh 3:22 After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptizing.
Joh 3:23 John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized
Joh 3:24 (for John had not yet been put in prison).
Joh 3:25 Now a discussion arose between some of John’s disciples and a Jew over purification.
Joh 3:26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness–look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.”
Joh 3:27 John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven.
Joh 3:28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’
Joh 3:29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete.
Joh 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.”
Joh 3:31 He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all.
Joh 3:32 He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony.
Joh 3:33 Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true.
Joh 3:34 For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure.
Joh 3:35 The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand.
Joh 3:36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

Notes on the John 3

1-5) How we are born again - the water of baptism represents a repentance of sins. This does not mean if you are not literally baptized, you will not go to heaven. Beware preachers of the gospel who come preaching that either sprinkling or total immersion is the “only way”. Jesus came to free the Jewish people from having laws without God’s love ingrained. Why do we try so hard to put ourselves back under a system of law? Guess that keeps us from having to think ; )

The birth w/ the spirit came for the disciples at Passover. We receive it simply by asking through prayer. The gift of the Holy Spirit is often misunderstood. I saw the Benny Hinns of the world “knocking people down” with their breath and thought “I don’t want to have anything to do with that!”

The Holy Spirit is sometimes, but rarely manifested in the flesh…. because it is a spirit. This is a weighty topic, and I would do you a disservice by trying to cover it. I am going through a course at church called Cleansing Streams, which deals specifically with the leading of the Holy Spirit. It has been absolutely great so far. See if your church can or does offer it. You may check out the ministry website at http://www.cleansingstream.org. Another option is the Alpha course, which is EXCELLENT for new believers. It is a weekly course where you get together with other newcomers to Christianity. Everyone watches a video (One of the best I have seen - explains everything so well, with an engaging delivery). There is a short discussion afterward, and a meal is usually included (free food is great).

Find a course near you at http://www.alphausa.org. If the Alpha course is offered in your area, they have a week or two dedicated to understanding the Holy Spirit. There is also an opportunity to receive the Holy Spirit. Again I say nothing “weird” goes on here - just more knowledge and depth in our relationship with Jesus Christ.

10) It is so important that we find a good church in our area to connect to - the primary reason is so we may join with fellow believers to worship God corporately.

Mat 18:20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

The second reason we go to church is to continue our teaching, making sure that we are not developing a theology apart from the truth of God’s word. The Jehovah’s witnesses (who deny Jesus is God’s son) is an example of where some people “got off on the wrong floor” with God by not staying connected to wise teaching.

How do you know that the church you are in is the right one? First, ask God - he will let you know. The second is to balance those teachings against others. “What, will I have to visit a bunch of churches?” No, that is simply not practical or wise.

Fortunately we have access to an entire planet of ministries via the Internet.By listening at home, or burning some sermons to CD to listen in the car, we will get a rounded knowledge of the things of God. Yes, each pastor gets a bit off sometimes - after all, we are all humans who give in to the flesh now and again. Just keep seeking the truth on your own as well, and God will reveal when these discrepencies between man’s words and God’s occur.

Check out the ministries in our Sermon Links section. They may be just what you are looking for. If not, poke around on Television and the radio - find some ministries that you like. Most ministries now have a significant online presense.

14) A prophesy of what was to come - the supreme exaltation of Jesus as he was lifted up on the cross to bear the sins of the world. Or… are they talking about being lifted up to heaven after returning from death? Anyone have ideas on that one? My copy of the NIV shoots for the former.

16) This again is what life is all about. God loves us so much that he sent his own son to save each one of us. All we have to do is believe in Jesus to avoid condemnation - if only we could all realize it is that simple. We come with a child-like faith to God, and he does the rest through us.

When we are kids, we always want to grow up. Once we are adults, many say that they would like to go back to being kids again - they had it sooooo easy. What if you could go back to being a child, in terms of guidance and protection, BUT you still have the freedom to do all the great things that adults can? That my friends, is what walking with God is like. Sure, there will be trials and situations that will test our resolve to trust God. There is one thing I’ve learned, though. Those things will happen anyway - the world has sin, and will until the end, so why not trust God? After all, God guarantees our victory.

20) This verse tells us most people (yes, most) do not come into the light. We are doing evil and mankind has fallen in love with our evil ways. Look how quickly people get angry when God is mentioned? They try to hang their issues on “self-righteous Christians”, the wrongs committed by the Catholic church hundreds of years ago, or a few Priests who molested children. It’s all a red herring. If Christians were perfect (which we are not, since we are flesh like everyone else) people would create another excuse for denying God. I know - I’ve been “that guy”.

24-27) John recognized God’s order and obeyed. We may face situations in the workplace where someone may receive the promotion over us, or we may not receive praise for a job well done. Our flesh cries out “what about me?”We need to listen to the Holy Spirit which says, “Trust in the Lord. He remembers you.” Sometimes I have trouble remembering that God loves me even though I don’t deserve it. Other times I forget that God loves everyone else just as much, even though they don’t deserve it. Since we don’t know God’s plan, we just need to draw closer and have blind faith.

35) Reiteration of the final truth - believe in Jesus - for God has placed everything in his hands - and we will have eternal life.

Proverbs, Chapter 3 (ESV)

Pro 3:1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments,
Pro 3:2 for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.
Pro 3:3 Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.
Pro 3:4 So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.
Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
Pro 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Pro 3:7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.
Pro 3:8 It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
Pro 3:9 Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce;
Pro 3:10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.
Pro 3:11 My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline or be weary of his reproof,
Pro 3:12 for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.
Pro 3:13 Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding,
Pro 3:14 for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold.
Pro 3:15 She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.
Pro 3:16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.
Pro 3:17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
Pro 3:18 She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed.
Pro 3:19 The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens;
Pro 3:20 by his knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew.
Pro 3:21 My son, do not lose sight of these– keep sound wisdom and discretion,
Pro 3:22 and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck.
Pro 3:23 Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble.
Pro 3:24 If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
Pro 3:25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes,
Pro 3:26 for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.
Pro 3:27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.
Pro 3:28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it”–when you have it with you.
Pro 3:29 Do not plan evil against your neighbor, who dwells trustingly beside you.
Pro 3:30 Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm.
Pro 3:31 Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways,
Pro 3:32 for the devious person is an abomination to the LORD, but the upright are in his confidence.
Pro 3:33 The LORD’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous.
Pro 3:34 Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor.
Pro 3:35 The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace.

2) God’s wisdom extends our life, adding prosperity. I made enough dangerous decisions in my life and am thankful that God delivered me. There’s only so long I could test God on that.

3) For a complete definition of Love, Check out 1 Corinthians 13. To bind them around our neck, means that it sometimes may feel like a weight. We “put on” love (Colossians 3:14) - it is much more than a gushy feeling. Love is a willful act that we wear daily. The more we slow our mind to heed the leading the Holy Spirit, the more we enable God to get into our minds and change our wills to match his.

5) I always want to figure everything out. That can be a blessing for some things, but a curse for others. Just let God be God and trust him until he reveals things to us. It’s just like with a small child. There are some events for which we say, “I’ll explain it when you are older”. The child is rarely happy with that response from the parent, but the parent knows best. When we are more mature in our faith, God may choose to reveal it to us.

6) God makes it happen. Great example with our friends, Nathan and Amber who are preparing for becoming full-time missionaries in Costa Rica. They were on a scouting trip and were asked by their ministry coordinators to “smuggle” medicine into the country (yes, smuggling drugs into a Latin American country, Ha Ha!) and did not have appropriate documentation from the Costa Rican government. They were very nervous and did not want to be thrown in jail the second they entered the country. Amazingly enough, the customs agent looked away the exact second their bag went through the X-ray. God is absolutely incredible - has a sense of humor, too.

7) When I first started reading the Bible, I would justify my actions - the Lord would say to not do something, and I would either make an excuse why it was ok, or I would skim to the next section where the text was not as convicting. Do not make that mistake. God always saves us pain and heartache when we follow his word.

9) Here is a justification for tithing. While there is nothing in the New Testament that mandates the “10% rule” spoken of in churches, returning a portion to God by blessing others is mandated. On the other hand, the law does not pass away, just the rigid adherence without love. What I am saying is - if you feel God calling you to give more, or you just see a need and want to help, give. If you don’t feel like giving, don’t - God does not need guilt tithes or begrudged offerings.

Another personal testimony to this one - I was very reluctant to start tithing. I thought, “I am barely making it now, what will I do without 10%?” At the time I was not even putting 10% away for my savings. God showed up big though when I stepped out in faith. My wife and I have never come up short - not even close. I’m not sure exactly how that worked, because our salaries did not increase dramatically. Things just seem to last longer.

Every Christian who has legitimately tithed has their needs met by God - I have never heard to the contrary! Remember, God does not need our money, he is just teaching us to be selfless and carry out his work - to take care of this planet until he returns for good.

11) Yes, sometimes the Lord disciplines us. That is not to say God will physically hurt us. God is not like Satan, who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. We recongnize the Lord’s discipline because he puts his foot down to keep us from doing things that will harm us more. When we change our ways, things will eventually be restored. Satan never restores - he just keeps taking.

13) 1 billion dollars is nothing compared to wisdom.

17-18) This is more of God’s overt promises of peace, life, and blessings to us who embrace his wisdom.

19) How complex is the operation of this planet? So complex that our scientists have only truly scratched the surface. God thought this all out with his infinite wisdom. So, who should we really listen to - some half-baked theory of a scientist, or the almighty God?

24) Wisdom eliminates fear and worry - when we know we are making the right decision, we have confidence, sleep well, and have no tension or fear.

25) We will not worry about all the rediculous things that the world does; comets, pandemics, and so forth. We will do everything in our power to take care of this planet and our duty to each other, but there is no worrying. Worry is more than fear. It is also a form of pride, like our worry will solve the problem. I heard a pastor say once that worry is faith… faith in the devil’s promises. That shifted my paradigm a bit : )

27) This is a tough one - no delay. If we see someone sad, poor, hungry, etc. we are supposed to immediately help. A simple way to help is to always have a dollar or two out of your wallet, within easy reach. Give to those who ask, like the Salvation Army person in front of the grocery store. Buy something from the kid selling candy bars for their band trip. Go through your closet and bring some of the clothes that you actually like to a shelter. It goes on, but if we are obedient for the small things, the “big things” seem much more possible.

29) This could be physical OR emotional harm. Emotional harm seems to be more acceptable in western culture, but the pain lasts much longer.

31) I used to somewhat envy tough guys or jerks. I thought they got what they wanted. Maybe they did for that moment, but they all seem to be working at gas stations now and sure don’t look like that is what they wanted.

34) When we get the wisdom we are seeking and our eyes are opened to the foolishness we once wallowed in, it is very common and easy to slip into looking down at others who are ignoring the lifeline thrown to them by God. We may even phrase it in a nice way like we are removed from the situation…. “If only they could see the error of their ways…” God does not like that one bit - this is all a gift, and we must remember daily that God commands us to love, not judge. When we are tempted to think down on others, we should note what Paul says in the Book of Romans (ESV):

Rom 3:10 as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one;
Rom 3:11 no one understands; no one seeks for God.
Rom 3:12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.”
Rom 3:13 “Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.” “The venom of asps is under their lips.”
Rom 3:14 “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”
Rom 3:15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood;
Rom 3:16 in their paths are ruin and misery,
Rom 3:17 and the way of peace they have not known.”,
Rom 3:18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

Thanks for joining us, we’ll be back with part 4 of “3o days to Wisdom”.

Please tell a friend, carve out some quiet time with your Bible in a comfortable place, and join us at the computer whenever you wish - we’re always here!

Have a blessed evening. I thank God for each one of you.

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