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Believing In Jesus Christ

       Nicodemus, a Pharisee came to Jesus one night acknowledging that Jesus must be from God because of the things He is doing. Jesus, hearing and understanding the unspoken question in his heart replied: “I assure you: Unless someone is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Nicodemus was confused about this strange talk concerning getting born ‘again’: A strange birth that would come about through water and the Spirit which negates natural thought. At this point, Nicodemus was truly confused, Jesus then asked him: “Are you a teacher of Israel and don’t know these things?” (John 3:10). In other words, you have the Bible (which you are at liberty to study for yourself) yet you do not believe or understand God’s word concerning His Kingdom. This same situation we see play out over and over again, and will continue to do so until the return of Jesus Christ to take His Church to be with Him for eternity. So many claim to be ‘Christian’ and even claim to ‘love’ Jesus Christ but they scarcely believe in Him, because their daily living is in direct contrast with the word of God. The fact that everyone in the congregation claims to love Him, they equally mouth the words. How can you ‘love’ what you do not believe in? 
        The Pharisees were supposed to be teachers of the law of God – teaching the people about God: “They taught throughout Judah, having the book of the Lord’s instructions with them. They went throughout the towns of Judah and taught the people” (2 Chronicles 17:9). It is not enough to wear the mantle of ‘Christian’ and not believe the God behind it! So many think the love of God for a world that does not believe in Him is inclusive or tolerant. On the contrary! His love does not make excuses for evil or tolerate it: “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). He demonstrated His love by giving the inhabitants of the earth (if they choose to) a way out of the darkness imposed by sin and the devil. He went further to declare: “For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the One and Only Son of God” (John 3:17-18). This is a prerequisite of being a true child of God! It is not by mistake that the Lord started His teaching with men believing in Him first before going on to love! You cannot love what you do not believe in! 
      The belief and love so many have for Jesus Christ is a corporate one; when the congregation is told to raise up their hands in ‘adoration’ and ‘worship’, most join, not because they actually do but because everyone is doing it. True worship of God is not a feeling but an action. It must be reflected in our daily living! Friend, believing God entails keeping His word and obeying it. Those that do this are the ones that love Him. That was why He encouraged us in John 14 not to let our hearts be troubled but we must as a necessity believe in Him. No matter what the world throws at us, His peace he has given to us. It is this assurance in us that enables us to love Him because we have seen and testified that He indeed loves us. As this is cultivated in us, we mature and are able to tell apart teachings that have a semblance of truth but are not: “Now the Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the former ways of his father David. He did not seek the baals but sought the God of his father and walked by His commands, not according to the practices of Israel” (2 Chronicles 17:3-4). 
      It is necessary for us to believe in Him as this will grant us a place with Him forever. In as much as it is true, there is no controversy, Jesus Chris is LORD; Friend, don’t just mouth those words, search and know them for yourself. If you are finding it difficult to reconcile this truth in your heart, then ask Him: “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit – the Father will send Him in My name – will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you” (John 14:26). God bless you as you search out His word for yourself, so that you can truly be convinced that you do believe in Him, not because someone said so but because you have seen for yourself. And like Job, you will declare: “I had heard rumors about You, but now my eyes (of understanding) have seen You. Therefore I take back my words and repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:5-6, Emphasis mine).

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