OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for February 2021
March 1, 2021
John 2:23 – Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.
Thought: Miracles are described as signs. They are signs because they confirm things. When Jesus came to earth, He proclaimed that He was the Messiah. He acknowledged that that was the Son of God. However, any person could make such claims. A claim does not make something true. It was the miracles that Jesus did that confirmed His claims. They confirmed the truthfulness of His words. At this Passover in Jerusalem, many believed. Why? Because “they saw the miracles which he did.”
Acts 10:38
March 2, 2021
John 2:24, 25 – But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, and needed not that any should testify of man; for he knew what was in man.
Thought: Many believed in Jesus because they witnessed his miracles. Yet, Jesus did not “commit” Himself unto them. The Greek word for “commit” is “pisteo” which means “to believe in.” Jesus was cautious as He began His ministry. He knew the hearts of man. They could be very fickle, for you today and against you tomorrow. The least little thing could turn their belief into unbelief. The fact is that He did not need man to testify for Him. His Father and the Holy Spirit would testify for Him.
Jeremiah 17:10
March 3, 2021
John 3:1 – There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.
Thought: The Scriptures do not always name the individuals with whom Jesus had conversations. Nicodemus is named. He is also described as “a man of the Pharisees” and “a ruler of the Jews.” The Pharisees were the strictest sect of the Jews. They came to be some of the bitterest enemies of Jesus. Nicodemus also occupied a prominent place among the Pharisees. A man of his caliber would not usually seek Jesus out. This was a unique meeting. Nicodemus’ heart was different from others.
John 7:50-52
March 4, 2021
John 3:2 – The same came to Jesus by night, and saith unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
Thought: The miracles Jesus performed were intended to prove Jesus is the Christ. Nicodemus did not say this, but he did acknowledge that the miracles proved Jesus was “a teacher come from God” and that God was with Him. This was a huge admission by a ruler of the Pharisees. It manifested the type of heart that Nicodemus had. He was willing to honestly examine the evidence presented. If it were true, he was willing to accept the conclusions. All should have the heart of Nicodemus.
John 5:36
March 5, 2021
John 3:3 – Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Thought: Jesus’ answer to Nicodemus seems somewhat abrupt. Jesus, however, spoke directly to the needs of this man. He believed he was a child of God due to his birth into Judaism. Jesus confronted this thinking by telling him that unless a man is born again he cannot inherit the kingdom of God. That is a major thought to be grasped by a man whose circumcision proved he was in the fleshly kingdom of Israel. Getting to the point is essential when it comes to conversion. Remember: Only truth saves.
I Peter 1:23-25
March 6, 2021
John 3:4 – Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
Thought: Nicodemus was like many people today. He could only think in physical terms. When Jesus said one must be born again, Nicodemus wondered how such a thing could be possible. He even asked: “Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?” Thinking spiritually is not easy for some. It requires one to look into a different realm. It requires one to think on a different level. What is impossible physically is very much possible in the spiritual realm.
John 6:51-52
March 7, 2021
John 3:5 – Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Thought: Jesus told Nicodemus that he must be born again. Jesus now elaborates on the elements of the new birth. One must be born of water and of the Spirit to enter into the kingdom of God. The only water involved in the Christian system is the water of baptism. What is the meaning of born of the Spirit? The Spirit revealed the truth. To be born again, one must obey the truth. When this is done, one is born of the Spirit. By obeying the truth and being baptized, one can enter the kingdom of God.
Romans 6:3-4
March 8, 2021
John 3:6, 7 – That which is born of the flesh is flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
Thought: To be part of the physical world, a person must be born into it. The same is true for one to be part of the spiritual world. Thus, it should not be a surprise when Jesus says: “Ye must be born again.” We hear a lot about “born again Christians.” The term is redundant. A Christian is one who has been born again. In other words, in order to become a Christian one was born again.
James 1:18
March 9, 2021
John 3:8 – The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and wither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
Thought: Man has no control over the wind. It comes and it goes. Man can only hear the results of the wind’s movement through the rustling of the trees. In like manner, the power of God’s Word comes and goes. Man has no control over it. However, the impact the Spirit makes through the proclamation of the Word can be seen. Individuals come to believe Jesus is the Son of God. They repent of sins. They confess the name of Christ. They are baptized. These are born of the Spirit.
Acts 2:37-41
March 10, 2021
John 3:9 – Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
Thought: Nicodemus was overwhelmed by this teaching on the new birth. Thus, he asked: “How can these things be?” This is interesting in light of the statement he made when he first spoke to Jesus that night. He admitted he was a teacher come from God. He also acknowledged the miracles that Jesus did. It seems so easy for man to go from belief to unbelief, from faith to doubt. Faith is simply accepting the word of God into our hearts. But, the words mystify us at times making faith difficult.
John 6:60-63
March 11, 2021
John 3:10 – Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things.
Thought: Jesus was somewhat shocked that Nicodemus did not comprehend His words. Nicodemus was “a master of Israel.” He was a trained teacher of the law. He had studied and discussed spiritual things for a great portion of his life. His mind should have been ready to receive the words of Jesus. He should have immediately comprehended the wisdom about which Christ spoke, but he did not. Sometimes even simple spiritual truths are difficult to comprehend by even the most knowledgeable.
Matthew 11:25
March 12, 2021
John 3:11, 12 – Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
Thought: Nicodemus was perplexed about the new birth. Jesus believed that this was a matter that was simple to comprehend. If Nicodemus could not understand the simple things, how could he comprehend the more difficult matters. If he did not believe what was taught about earthly things, how could he be aware of heavenly things. Knowledge is often a building process, a block at a time.
I Corinthians 3:1-2
March 13, 2021
John 3:13 – And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is from heaven.
Thought: There has only ever been one man who was fully acquainted with heaven who came to earth to expound unto lost man heavenly things. That one man was Jesus Christ. Jesus describes Himself as “the Son of man which is from heaven.” Not only is Jesus a teacher come from God, He is God. This is a profound revelation given to Nicodemus. There was no doubt Jesus’ message was true. It was a message that came directly from heaven itself.
I Corinthians 15:47
March 14, 2021
John 3:14 – And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up.
Thought: Jesus continues His discussion with Nicodemus telling him of His death. He does this by taking him back to a historical account about which this ruler should have been familiar. Because of the complaints of the Israelites against Moses, God sent fiery serpents into the camp that bit the people and they died. When Moses interceded for the people, God commanded him to make a brazen serpent and put it on a pole. All who looked up it lived. Jesus told Nicodemus that He, too, must be lifted up.
Numbers 21:4-9
March 15, 2021
John 3:15 – That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
Thought: Faith has always been an essential in the salvation process. When Moses made the brazen serpent and put it on a pole, the children of Israel had to do two things after being bitten by the fiery serpents. They had to believe that they would live if they looked on the serpent. Too, their faith had to cause them to actually look upon the serpent. In like manner, men now have to believe that Jesus can save them. Too, they have to obey the commands He has given to obtain that salvation.
Numbers 21:9
March 16, 2021
John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Thought: Jesus now reveals why He had to die on the cross. It was because God loved the world and wanted no one to perish but desired all to have everlasting life. Love like this is difficult to fathom. God actually loved sinful humanity enough to send His only begotten Son into the world to die on their behalf. However, He will not force any man to accept that salvation. Thus, He has conditioned salvation on faith. This is not salvation by faith only. It is a faith that complies with God’s commands.
Romans 5:8-9
March 17, 2021
John 3:17 – For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Thought: God sent Jesus into the world the first time for a purpose. That purpose was positive in nature: “…that the world through him might be saved.” The world was lost in sin. God’s purpose, therefore, pertained to all. Dear reader, God wants to condemn no man. Man was created in the image of God. God wants the best for man. When man sinned, God did not turn His back on man. He did not immediately punish his transgressions. No, God sent his Son into the world to save it.
Luke 19:10
March 18, 2021
John 3:18 – He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Thought: The key to salvation is faith in Jesus Christ. “He that believeth on him in not condemned.” The alternative is condemnation. Salvation or condemnation. These are the only options for man. The choice is left up to each individual. Will you believe in the name of the only begotten Son of God? He did not leave Himself without witness. There are many, many proofs that He is deity who was manifest in the flesh. Thankfully, He was willing to die that we might live. Choose Jesus. Choose life.
Romans 8:1
March 19, 2021
John 3:19, 20 – And this is condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because his deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
Thought: The message of this verse is simple. “Men loved darkness rather than light.” One wonders: “Why?” One reason is because light reproves the deeds of evil men. Most do not enjoy being corrected. Pride does not like to admit wrongs. Selfishness does not want to give up a lifestyle that pleasures the flesh. Acceptance will not allow one to step away from the approval of the world. Yes, many men hate the light. As lights in the world, we will be rejected as was the True Light.
Ephesians 5:11-13
March 20, 2021
John 3:21 – But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Thought: Those who do the truth do not shy away from it. They run to the light. They have nothing to fear from God. They know their deeds are wrought in God. Manifesting them to the world is not shameful or embarrassing at all. The two reactions to light will be seen in their fullness in the judgment. The light of God’s truth will then shine upon all men. The reaction of those who lived in darkness will be extreme sorrow. The reaction of those who walked in the light will be joy untold.
Psalm 119:80
March 21, 2021
John 3:22 – And after these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judea: and there he tarried with them, and baptized.
Thought: John baptized and Jesus baptized. This was not the baptism of the Great Commission. It was a preparatory work. There has always been a discussion about whether those baptized with John’s or the Lord’s baptisms prior to the cross had to be baptized again. Some believe those baptisms were effective in terms of salvation. Others believe that only the baptism of the Great Commission could truly forgive sins. Now it doesn’t matter. There is one baptism, New Testament baptism.
Acts 19:1-7
March 22, 2021
John 3:23, 24 – And John also was baptizing in Enon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. For John was not yet cast into prison.
Thought: Again, John and Jesus were carrying on their ministries together in Judea. Notice that John was baptizing in Enon near to Salim for a reason. The reason was “because there was much water there.” Men have told us that baptism can involve sprinkling or pouring. From this text, we learn this is not the case. In order to baptize individuals, there needs to be much water. Why? Because baptism involves immersion, that is, an overwhelming of the person’s body in water.
Acts 8:36-39
March 23, 2021
John 3:25 – Then there arose a question between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purifying.
Thought: John’s baptism was for the remission of sins (Mark 1:4). In other words, those who submitted to John’s baptism could be purified from their sins. Jesus was also baptizing in the wilderness. This fact, would lead the Jews to question John about the ministry in which Jesus was engaged. John had been the first to preach in the wilderness. The people accepted him as a prophet. What would he have to say about Jesus? The Jews were definitely interested in John’s answer.
John 1:25
March 24, 2021
John 3:26 – And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.
Thought: For some reason, man has trouble with two parallel ministries operating at the same time. When they exist, some feel the urge to make comparisons between them. Having made the comparisons, they enjoy questioning one of the parties about the other. One has to wonder: “Why?” What is the purpose behind such question? Is it to cause problems? Is it to try to divide the two individuals? Why can’t they be pleased with both? Why can’t they accept and appreciate both?
II Corinthians 10:12
March 25, 2021
John 3:27 – John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.
Thought: When the Jews came to John about purifying, they told him that “all men” were going to Jesus who was also baptizing. Was this intended to anger John or make him jealous? Whatever the Jews’ intention, John was clear with his answer. Men like John and Jesus have their works given to them by God. Each is to do the work that God has given him to do. Each must accept his position for what it is. There is to be no jealousy or division between them. They are laborers together with God.
I Corinthians 3:3-9
March 26, 2021
John 3:28, 29 – Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
Thought: John reminded the Jews that he had told them: “I am not the Christ.” John knew his role as the forerunner for the Messiah. John accepted his position gratefully and humbly. John illustrated with a wedding example. The bridegroom and the friend of the bridegroom are in different roles. Only the bridegroom has the bride. The friend is not jealous of him. Instead, he rejoices when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. In like manner, John rejoiced when he heard of Jesus’ labors and success.
Luke 1:76-77
March 27, 2021
John 3:30 – He must increase, but I must decrease.
Thought: Who in their right mind would say this? Who wants another to excel while he becomes less important? Only a humble servant could say this with honesty. John the Baptist meant these words. He had great success preaching and baptizing in the wilderness region around Jerusalem. Large crowds came to hear him. The common people respected him as a prophet. But, his popularity would come to an end. The crowds would move to Jesus. John was okay with that. He fulfilled his ministry!
Philippians 2:3-4
March 28, 2021
John 3:31 – He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.
Thought: John’s humility sprang from his understanding of who he was and who Jesus was. John was purely human. Jesus, on the other hand, was deity. This meant Jesus was above all. John respected that fact. He honored the Christ. Thus, when it came time for Jesus to take the lead, John was willing to step into the shadows. Some people have trouble doing this. For some reason, they have to see themselves as good or better than others. They are jealous and envious when others surpass them.
Proverbs 6:34
March 29, 2021
John 3:32, 33 – And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.
Thought: Jesus came down to reveal the Father and His will. His testimony, however, was not widely received. John tells us: “…and no man receiveth his testimony.” The number that rejected Jesus’ words was far greater than the number who received them. A few received Jesus’s doctrine. Those who did were not ashamed to confirm “that God is true.” They affirmed that God is faithful in all He says. Yes, the number that comes to Jesus is small, but those who do are convicted and steadfast.
I John 5:9-10
March 30, 2021
John 3:34 – For he whom God hath sent speaketh words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.
Thought: Jesus’ mission was to speak the word of God. The Holy Spirit was involved in the process of revealing the message to Jesus. The text tells us that God gave Jesus the Spirit without measure. This thought has led to a teaching called, “the measures of the Spirit.” Those who hold this doctrine refer to the apostolic measure of the Spirit, the miraculous measure of the Spirit, and the ordinary measure of the Spirit. Jesus received the Spirit with measure. Others received measures of the Spirit’s power.
II Corinthians 12:11-12
March 31, 2021
John 3:35 – The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.
Thought: The relationship between Jesus and His heavenly Father was founded upon love. The word “loveth” is a form of “agape” indicating the supreme form of love. At this time in the redemptive process, God had “given all things into his hand.” Jesus was given His mission. Now, it was up to Him to carry it out. It was a difficult task. It was a task filled with rejection. It was a task that would end in hurt and sorrow. But, it was also filled with joy. Man’s salvation would result because of it.
John 10:17-18
Read devotionals for April 2021
