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 year of 2024 at the Rock Port Baptist Church.

In doing so, we recognize that we are reading and studying the Bible not to merely to keep us informed, but to encounter and experience Jesus in today’s world. We start by believing in Jesus, but also understanding who is He and what work He does in and through us in today’s world. This is what we call “The Person and Work of Christ.”

As Jesus came to earth, which we have remembered during this past Christmas season, we see the fullness of God in Jesus “the Word made flesh” (John 1:14). Jesus’ birth gave us a picture of his humility in becoming an ordinary person, that we might know Him and be saved by His life. He was frequently noted to be the Messiah, or the Christ, the Anointed One of God who would become our Savior in dying on the Cross for our sins. The Gospel from John reminds us that by believing in Him we can know Him in this life with an abundant life (John 10:10). We are also promised to receive eternal life when we believe in His Name (John 1:12).

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.