The House You're Building

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.   And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.   Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.     For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.   Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.   Therefore do not become partners with them;     for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light   (for t...

        Orient  John 12:1-50 This chapter is the last section in the first part of the book: signs that point to Jesus as Messiah.  This chapter extends the events of chapter 11, the raising of Lazarus from the dead.  Structurally it contains narrative sections as well as speeches from Jesus about Himself.  Chronologically, the week before the final Passover feast in John, where Jesus will ultimately be crucified is detailed.  Mary’s anointing happens 6 days before Passover, and the triumphal entry, 5 days etc. so the reader can easily follow along.  A common occurrence in John, division among the people is present as they argue about the identity of Jesus and the Pharisees continue to plot a way to eliminate Him.     Introduction What do you love the most?  In my early 20’s in a sermon on idolatry, my pastor said you could determine what was important to a person by looking at their cale...

        Orient  John 8:12-30 If you’ve been following us each installment of the John series, you might wonder if I missed posting the first 11 verses of chapter 8.  The missing passage, commonly known as the woman caught in adulty, is not found in the earliest manuscripts and thus won’t be included in my walk-through John.  Though it does not contradict Scripture, in my view this section of scripture isn’t considered sacred text according to the process of textual criticism that makes me trust the Bible.  That sets the stage for the setting of the passage we are considering.  If the story of the woman was added later, it is likely assumed that Jesus is still teaching at the Festival of Booths.  What follows is a conflict story with the Pharisees, as they question Jesus.  As you read, themes from chapter 5 will be familiar: witness and judgment.     Introduction Every morning when I get u...

        Orient  For God So Loved The World Jesus continues his conversation with Nicodemus and begins by explaining why the Son of Man will be lifted up.  Ties to the themes in the prologue are found in the light/dark contrast shared by John to describe the nature of man and their deeds. Much of the language in these verses communicates spiritual truth using legal terms.  This section contains one of the most well-known scriptures in the Bible (John 3:16) because of its succinct summary of the gospel but is not always understood fully when taken out of context.     Introduction Human nature has fascinated people for centuries.  At the root of the academic fields of ethics, philosophy, psychology, and sociology, thinkers and scientists try to study and explain the motivations of humanity. Previously in John, we learn that Jesus knows what is in man [1] .  In today’s meditation, we hear the teaching of Je...

        Orient Our first section comes from the prologue, the place where John introduces major themes we will read throughout the book, light, life, belief, rejection, and witness.    The style is poetic and meant to draw imagery from the book of Genesis.    Introduction Before time began was Jesus.    The Word, the Light, the life of men.    John the Baptizer bore witness than the Creator of all things was coming.    Those who trust in Him are adopted into the family of God.    Let these first few verses of John tune you into the majesty of Christ and gratitude for His arrival.      Opening Prayer Jesus show me today more of who you are; let me behold your glory and power in a fresh way.    You are my true light.    I come to you for life, use your word to renew me as I spend time with you.    Amen.    Meditation Read and reread the following passage, ...