John 3:9-21
Reflect
In this well-known passage, it can occasionally be helpful to refresh our understanding by reading it in another translation. For example, reflect on the Message version of verses 20-21:
“Everyone who makes a practice of doing evil, addicted to denial and illusion, hates God-light and won’t come near it, fearing a painful exposure. But anyone working and living in truth and reality welcomes God-light so the work can be seen for the God-work it is.”
Today, our culture encourages people to “live their truth.” It is a healthy practice to live with honesty and authenticity. But how often do we pick and choose what we will be truthful about? How often are we in denial and living an illusion? When we come into the light of Christ, we allow Him to penetrate every part of us, to illuminate the shadows and the areas we would rather ignore.
In the NASB version of verse 21, it states “the one who practices the truth comes to the Light…”
Coming into the light of Christ is not a one-and-done moment, but a practice. We live in a fallen world and must make a practice of coming into the Light of Jesus, being honest about our thoughts and deeds and confessing to one another. In this, we live in His Light!
Pastor Melissa
Pray
- Pray through the prayer section in our program.
- Pray for Karen Alksne, our Congregational Life Ministry Associate.
- Pray for our Congregational Life Pastor, Mike Bartusek and his family.
- Pray for all our small group leaders.
- Pray for Dave Schneider, our Youth and Worship Pastor and Erin Gibbard, Youth Ministry Associate.