John 3

 

Today we have Frann Wohlers coming to share with us her depth of experience and Biblical knowledge as we dive into John 3 together and learn more about Christ's ultimate purpose on earth to offer salvation to people . . . to give us spiritual life, to be made alive in Christ.

Click these links for: 

• Today's Handout

• Discussion Questions

In John 3:1-13 we get to observe a conversation between Jesus and "a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews (v1)" who was curious about Jesus.  The Pharisees were leaders who were highly zealous for ritual and religious purity according to both the Mosaic law and their own traditions.  "A ruler of the Jews" refers to Nicodemus's membership in the Sanhedrin, the main ruling body of the Jews in Palestine; a kind of supreme court.  So Nicodemus was one important dude among the Jewish rulers.

They no doubt had a spirited discussion under the protection of night so as no one would know about Nicodemus's growing curiosity about Jesus.  Jesus gently confronted Nicodemus with his need to be born again and further demonstrated His identity as God's messenger.  In v3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" and then in v5 Jesus repeats this statement and clarifies " . . . unless one is born of water and Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God."  This is imagery referring to our need to be cleansed and purified before entering God's kingdom.

The point of this is that God's Kingdom is open to anyone and everyone.  The spirit (often referred to as the 'wind' in both Hebrew and Greek) is on the move and no one can control it or keep up with it.  However, its effects can be seen.  With Jesus, comes a new way of knowing that only comes from heaven.  Jesus is the ladder which joins the two dimensions of God's world, the heavenly and the earthly.  When we see or imagine Jesus hanging on the cross or "lifted up" as referenced here in John, we see the result of the all the sin and bad stuff in which we and our world are all stuck.  AND we are seeing what God has done about it.  We are seeing what God's own love looks like.  When Jesus died on the cross, that was the full and dramatic display of God's own love.  (Source: John for Everyone, Part One by N.T. Wright)

Further Insights and Cross Reference:

• Later in the Gospel of John we get glimpses of the impact this encounter with Jesus had on Nicodemus.  Read John 7:50-52 and 19:38-42.  What facts from Jesus' encounter with Nicodemus lead you to believe that he was open to the truth about Jesus?
• Read Ezekial 36:16-36.  How does this message of the Old Testament passage compare with what Jesus said to Nicodemus about the need for regeneration (that is, interanl, spiritual transformation)?
• Read Numbers 21:5-9/ Why did John make mention of this Old Testament event?  How does it compare to Christ death on the cross?
• Describe events that led to your being "born again"?  What people, situations, and tools did God use?
• For further study, see: Prov 30:4, Isaiah 11:1-16, Isaiah 61:1, Isaiah 62:4-5, Jeremiah 2:2, Dan 12:2, Matt 5:44-45, 1 Cor 4:7, 1 John 5:20

 (Source:  John by John MacArthur)

   

Recipe Binder

Sometimes I find that I am uninspired in the kitchen simply because my recipes are scattered.  It takes far too much effort to hunt down a recipe in an over-stuffed drawer of half-scribbled papers, coffee-stained index cards and torn magazine pages.  I've tried different systems for recipes--a lackluster computer program, an index card box too narrow to rifle through--and decided that I like the binder system best, where recipes are neatly organized in page protectors sorted by tabs, always at the ready.  My old binder, which had no tabs, began falling apart.  And so I put to work making a beautiful new, organized binder to keep in my kitchen. 

 I found the binder itself at Target, and loved the red firecracker motif--it reminds me of the classic Better Homes & Gardens cookbook my mom used growing up.  I searched through two office supply stores, as well as Amazon.com, for the perfect tabbed dividers, but never found ones that I loved.  So I took a trip to Archivers and got coordinating 12x12 papers.  11 in all.

 Archivers has a crafting area within the store, so I used one of their scalloped hole punches on off-white card stock to create the tab ends.  I cut them in half for the front (labeled in pen by category: appetizers, brunch, etc.), and attached full scalloped circles to the backside to reinforce the tabbed dividers.  I staggered them on the 12x12 papers so that five labels would show at a time (see above).  Then I drew a line with a ruler, and cut around them so that they protruded and were easy to grasp.  I cut the hole-punch side until they were the width I wanted, then laminated the dividers at Mardel; all 11 of them cost around $2 total to laminate at 25 cents a foot. 

 The categories I used were: appetizers, brunch, soups, salads&sides, crock&freeze, poultry, meat&fish, pasta&casseroles, desserts, holidays, miscellaneous

 I filled it up with printed pages, index cards, even sentimental scribbles.  Notice the "Apples of Gold" recipe below? (I had to give it a plug ;o)

 And at least ten of these recipes came straight from the Heartland Moms blog.  These ladies know how to cook a mean brunch!

 I notice now that I'm more excited about cooking and meal planning because of this little beauty.  And because it contains so much love and so many memories (good food feeds the soul), I was inspired to make duplicate binders for my mother-in-law and my daughter, Lorelei.

If you would like to print the recipes I've collected as our family's tried-and-true favorites, e-mail wendyleia@yahoo.com.

Knowledge Seekers

 
Today our focus is on studying John 1:35-2:25 with our table groups and getting a first hand look at Jesus' first miracle.  Can you believe he chose to perform it a wedding, a celebration, and lavish party.  Jesus had already chosen some of his disciples but they didn't really know him.  They are meandering around not knowing where they are going.  Then it's as if Jesus says, "We are going to a wedding" to satisfy their curiosity.

How could a wedding fit with his purposes on earth?  Why did Jesus go to the wedding?  The answer?  It's found in the second verse of John 2.  "Jesus and his followers were also invited to the wedding.". . .

This is significant for many reasons.  Common people were able to enjoy being with Jesus.  It is noteworthy that the Almighty didn't act high and mighty.  The Holy One wasn't holier-than-thou . . . Jesus was a likeable fellow.  And his disciples should be the same.  This doesn't mean they were out of control involved in debauchery, drunkenness, and adultery or compromising, course or obscene.  They simply were taking time and enjoying the freedom to laugh at a good joke, enliven a dull party, and appreciate a fun evening . . .

Weddings in Jesus' day were extended community events.  They often lasted a week or more.  Hospitality ruled the day, and families were under significant social pressure to provide lavishly for their guests.  The problem that arose because the wine ran out created a major crisis.  Mary tried to help and enlisted her son's assistance in finding a solution.  Even she probably didn't expect the results that followed. 

Enjoy!!! 

(From The Gospel of John study book by Max Lucado)

Cultivating a Personal Prayer Life

Here’s a simple yet loaded question for you…how’s your prayer life? Many of us have really good intentions in spending quiet time with God, but when it doesn’t happen the dreaded “G” word –guilt- invades our hearts making it difficult for us to feel the freedom God intends us to have in coming to Him. Maybe you journal prayers, but have noticed your entries are a bit less frequent than they used to be, or maybe that morning time you hoped to carve out just isn’t fitting into the reality of your schedule. Perhaps for you it’s not a lack of time but a lack of depth in your prayers?  You’re tired of asking for the same things over and over, and you think just maybe God is holding the phone away from his ear while you repeat your requests. Again.  Are you new to the whole “talking to the Creator of the universe” process and not sure where to even begin that conversation?

I know I’ve been all of the above one or multiple times during my faith journey.  However, I also know time spent in the presence of God is a privilege with effects more powerful than anything I can conceive.  It’s in prayer where my pride and self-will bend to humility and my stubborn self-righteousness is called out to trust in God’s righteousness. It’s in talking with God where my deepest, child-like beliefs are voiced and reinforced into a stronger faith.  

Knowing those truths, how do I bring my heart back into communion with God?  How do I desire being in His presence so much that every to-do list, errand, or email returns to its rightful place in my priority list where time spent with my Savior is first and foremost? Go back to His word.  It’s alive and active (Hebrews 4:12).  It’s a weapon that can demolish those strongholds including any obstacle keeping you from spending time with God in prayer (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)  

Recently, I’ve been learning how to pray Scripture back to God. Author and speaker Beth Moore calls it, “speaking His language”.  God’s thoughts are not our own and our ways are not like His (Isaiah 55:8), so turning Bible verses into prayers is one way to restate God’s truths and get to know the mind and heart of a God who’s love draws you nearer to Him more than any amount of guilt ever will.  Here’s one example of what praying Scripture can look like.  There’s no right or wrong here, just choose a Scripture that speaks to your heart and talk to God about it. 

God, you say you satisfy the desires of every living thing and are loving towards me.  Me who’s a sinner, me who’s a doubter, me who isn’t always loving towards You. You are loving towards me because you made me. Show me how to desire You above all else.  You say you’re near to me when I call on You.  Do I believe that with my whole heart, God?  I admit that sometimes I don’t feel worthy of your presence. Remind me that it’s not about me, but about Jesus’ holy worth (Psalm 145: 16-21).  Help me start my day with your word on my mind and in my heart so your unfailing love will be what I trust in today.  Show me the way I should treat my children during trying moments and every way I should turn all day long.  I lift up my very soul to you, my Savior and Abba. (Psalm 142:8) Amen.

Jesus loves you and desires to spend time with you.  He’s jealous for your whole heart, so trust Him with your highest affections and know that He is the only one who is “able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy.” (Jude 24)

Helping Hands

My Mom visited recently and brought a bunch of foam shapes. One package was of hands, so I decided to make a wall called Helping Hands. The idea is to encourage my 4 yr old son, Robert, to think about ways to help people who need it. 

So I gave him some examples of how we have helped people recently by making meals, driving friend's kids to school, and bringing baskets of food to a friend who is on bed rest while pregnant with twins. On each hand, I write the person's initial of which family member did the helping, and then I write the names of who we helped. He got really excited when we taped some up for him and some up for me.

Kyran Wilson

Practical Skills Sharing Day

Everyone is in for an extra special treat today.  None of us are wonder women and can do it all, right?  Within Mothers Together we have a wealth of knowledge and experience and it's all about getting to know one another, accepting who we are - strengths and weaknesses and all - and allowing others' strengths to compliment our weaknesses.  We need each other!  Well we have four talented women coming to strut their stuff to help us gain more insights on economical Fall based ideas for hospitality, decorating, meal planning and photography.  These women are sharing not only their passions, but some practical tips and hands on demonstrations.  Rumor has it some of you may even "win" something . . . Should be a great day!

Click HERE for an overview presentation and read on for more information about each topic.

Practicing Hospitality by Lori R 

Romans 12:13 says “Practice hospitality.” There was a day and age when hospitality was a regular part of life. But, in our generation we’ve mastered the art of outsourcing hospitality. That’s what hotels and restaurants are for, right? In Biblical times, hospitality was motivated by the nature of God. As people traveled from place to place, they expected to find a home within the people of God.

Throughout the scriptures we see examples of people opening their homes, sharing meals together and welcoming fellow travelers with a place to stay.  They didn’t have the cultural expectations we have today of having to have a clean home, a gourmet meal prepared and well behaved kids before inviting others into our homes and lives.
 
The good news is that hospitality is NOT social entertaining.  Social entertaining is for the host and it’s stressful, expensive and exhausting. But when you’re practicing hospitality it is for the guest and it’s simple and rewarding.  Simple and gracious hospitality is creating an environment that’s warm and welcoming for the intent of connecting deeply with others.  You don’t have to have the spiritual gift of hospitality to practice hospitality.

Click HERE for complete write up . . . 

Fun Fall Table Decorating by Christine Y 

Decorating.  It's fun.  It's simple.  It doesn't cost much . . . well for some people maybe.  Christine is here to help cross our barriers and make a fall table setting something nearly anyone can accomplish with a little time, creativity (or good copy cat skills) and effort.  Determine your goal, pull together some inspiring ideas, figure out your budget, involve the family , pull it all together . . . voila!!  And then pray over your table and for your expected guests and last but not least . . . HAVE FUN!  

Click HERE for an outline of Christine's approach.

Meal Planning "Win back your dinner hour" by Kristin V

 Freedom and Joy – Learn to control your finances, so they don’t control you or your marriage!  And a great place to start is with meals and groceries.  Click on the links below to learn more about Kristin's experiences and tips and tricks to winning back her dinner hour!!!

1. Meal Planning Tips and Tricks Overview
2. Grocery List Template
3. Consumables List
4. Fix n' Freeze Cooking Group How To

Fix n' Freeze.  Invest in your 5 pm!

Capturing the Memories by Denise W

Join Denise as she shares with us practical tips for photography on the following topics:

• Photo tips - taking better photos, what to wear, getting the shot
• Storage and archiving
• Holiday card ideas
• Photo gift ideas

Pinterest - the place for nearly everything even includes suggestions for family pictures.  Imagine that!

Click here for a write-up of Denise's resources.

What is a Disciple?

What is a Disciple? First, we may want to ask ourselves why it is important to know what a disciple is.  In the Bible, it is recorded that Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 NIV  

So, we have established the most important reason to find out more about what a disciple is - Jesus told us to make them!  I don’t know about you, but when I set out to make something, whether it be a meal for my family, a craft project with my kids, or homemade cleaning supplies to satisfy my inner “greenie,” I don’t jump in without first finding out a little about what it is I want to make.

Jesus says to make disciples by baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (which Heartland does in spectacular fashion at our annual baptism service at Kill Creek Park - hope you were there to join us a few weeks ago) and teaching them to obey what he has taught us through the Bible.

My daddy taught me that the first place you should go when you don’t know what something means is the dictionary.  In my techie world that has translated into the nifty Merriam-Webster Dictionary app on my iPad (although I haven’t let my daughter in on the fact that it is available digitally - she still has to go to the beloved book with the red cover).  Merriam-Webster defines:

Disciple: (noun) 1. one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another: as one of the twelve in the inner circle of Christ’s followers according to the Gospel accounts. Merriam-Webster Dictionary

So, we are to accept the teachings of Christ and assist in spreading those teachings to others as his inner circle did.  Looks like what Jesus told us to do, doesn’t it.  But, what does this look like in us?

According to Greg Ogden in his book Discipleship Essentials: A Guide to Building Your Life in Christ, “a disciple is one who responds in faith and obedience to the gracious call to follow Jesus Christ.”  He goes on to say that, “being a disciple is a lifelong process of dying to self while allowing Jesus Christ to come alive in us.” 

There is a more local reason to figure out what this whole disciple thing is about.  At Heartland we have a strategic plan.  Part of that strategic plan involves one Big Hairy Audacious Goal (which we tend to just call the BHAG): “To Advance a Discipling Movement in Our City by Inviting Everyone Into a Life-Changing Relationship Over the Next Five Years.” 

Since our leadership has narrowed down what our focus as a community is to be over the next five years to one goal (not to mention calling it out as big and hairy) we should probably take notice and find out how we can get involved.

We have just completed a four week journey on Sundays called Life Changing exploring this further.  If you weren’t able to make it to the services or you want a refresher on what it is all about, check out the podcasts on Heartland’s website.

How would it look for you to “respond in faith and obedience to the gracious call to follow Jesus Christ?”