That You May Believe





John 20:30–31 (ESV) 30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

The Gospel writers wrote with a flagrant agenda. These were not histories or biographies. These books are intended to illicit faith. He wrote these things down "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ..."

 Everything about John is founded on that verse. John gives us the signs that Jesus performed so that we might truly understand who Jesus is. He is the Son of God and He is the source of life. 

 If you are looking for a magic man, look elsewhere. 
If you are looking simply for a moral code, look elsewhere.
If you are looking for self-improvement, look elsewhere.

 This is about faith. Faith is essential to our relationship with God. Faith is the foundation of any true relationship. That we truly trust one another and give ourselves fully to their love for us. It was lack of faith in God's Word that led Eve to take of the forbidden fruit. It is lack of trust that leads us to follow the pursuits of vain idols. Does God have our best interest in mind? 

 YES!

 Look at the record. Look at what He seeks from you. Faith! He even acquieced to Thomas' lack of faith and showed His hands and feet to the man who refused to believe until he could see and touch for himself.

 God the Holy Spirit inspired the writers of the Gospels and even beyond them to show us Jesus, to see for ourselves that He is God the Son and He is the one we must place our faith and trust in completely forever.

 I write this on Christmas Eve. A solemn night where candle vigils are held across the nation almost in silence. But the birth of Christ was anything but silent! It was a baby being born, it was angels announcing His arrival to shepherds, it was Herod wreaking havoc in Bethlehem... it was dark, but it was invaded by the light!

 And tonight heralds forever good news of great joy. Our Savior was not just born, He was dead and is alive again forever! REJOICE in the Lord. Your sins are forgiven, your past is forgotten and you have a home in heaven!

 Believe and live in Jesus Name.

 Amen.

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