Thursday, June 1

THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2017

"Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book.  But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." (John 20:30,31)

While Luke provides the purpose statement for his Gospel in Luke 1:1-4, John waits until this point in the text to speak directly to the reader.  As with his letters, John speaks frankly about Jesus as the source of life and that faith unlocks that life (1 John 5:11-13).

I have always found it encouraging that, while the Gospels present a detailed account of Jesus's ministry, John indicates that there are other miracles not recorded in the Scriptures.  We may look forward to God's sharing revelation of these miracles when we come face to face with Him in His heavenly Kingdom!

How does John anticipate that our faith will develop?  He expects that, by studying the written Word of God, that we will come to know the revealed Word of God, Jesus the Messiah.  His presence and sacrifice on our behalf came following a promise, that we also know through the written Word.  As we have read, the Holy Spirit, Who guides us into all truth, enables us to know the Author of life through the revelation of the Word.

How have you built a study of the Word into your life?  Have you find it coming alive for you in your reading?  I encourage you to pose questions in your reading, similar to what Scott has introduced as leaders' questions for Bible study.  You might consider:  What does this passage share with me about God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit?  What do I learn about men and women?  What does it reveal about sin and righteousness?  How may I apply this teaching so that I may honor God better?

May we find tremendous riches in knowing and studying the Word, so that we may love God, love people, and make disciples.  Through it, we come to know the Source of life and His purposes for us.

Lord God, thank You for sharing Your Word with us through revelation.  Thank You for making knowing to us that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Source and Author of life.  Thank You for showing us how to persevere in this world and to bring honor and glory to Your Name through our lives.  Allow us to grow deeper and to better reflect Your character.  Prepare us today to serve You well and to partner with You in sharing the Gospel with those who are hungry to know You.  In Jesus's Name, amen.

"Creed" by Rich Mullins:  https://g.co/kgs/4vSSEz