Submitted by Pastor Richard Boettner, Rock Port Baptist Church

In writing this week for “On the Spiritual Side” I want to pass on some teaching from the Gospel of John for this New Year. This is from new Bible study this past month of January at the Rock Port Baptist Church.

In doing so, we recognize that we are reading and studying the Bible not to merely keep us informed, but to encounter and experience Jesus in today’s world. Let’s look for a minute at how this happens.

John stated his own purpose for writing in John 20:31: “But these are written so that you may BELIEVE that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

This pattern of believing in Jesus starts in chapter 1 with a key verse for the church today: “But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who BELIEVE in his name” (John 1:12).

True belief always leads to new actions and behavior. New life and new birth is how Jesus described this to Nicodemus among others that encountered him, including new disciples. In John 3:21 those who BELIEVE in Jesus will 1) move towards the truth, 2) will experience light to overcome darkness, 3) be empowered to accomplish good works: “But anyone who lives by the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.”

If this kind of encounter with Jesus seems impossible remember His presence with us by His Holy Spirit. Yes, Jesus was with his disciples in person, but we have His greater gift today, as the Spirit of God is with us to empower us 24/7, in any circumstance, and in any place. “If you love me, you will keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive him because it doesn’t see him or know him. But you do know him, because he remains with you and will be in you.” (John 14:15-17).

I pray as we have shared this article together that you might BELIEVE in Jesus for the first time or in a new way for new and greater service. Feel free to contact me at rpbaptistchurch@gmail.com with any questions or comments.