Summarizing the "Bridegroom" theme in the Bible

John 3:27-29 "John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent ahead of Him.’ 29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made full."

Introduction:

John 2:1-11 and John 3:22-36 represent bookends that expose readers to the theme of Jesus Christ as the Heavenly Bridegroom that came to redeem His bride. The Bible Knowledge Commentary notes this point about Jesus and the "bridegroom" theme:

"In Jesus’ growing influence, John found his own joy fulfilled. He illustrated this for his disciples by referring to a custom at Near Eastern weddings. The friend of the bridegroom was only an assistant, not the main participant in the marriage. The assistant acted on behalf of the bridegroom and made the preliminary arrangements for the ceremony. His joy came when he heard the bridegroom coming for his bride. John the Baptist’s work was to prepare for the arrival of Christ, the “Groom.” John baptized only with water, not with the Spirit. Therefore Jesus must become greater and John must become less. This was not merely advisable or fortuitous; it was the divine order. John willingly and with joy accepted Jesus’ growing popularity as God’s plan."

The Biblical theme of the Divine Wedding as used by God to portray His redemptive purposes in the Bible will be the focus of today's post. In a more specific way, we want to see how this overall theme applies specifically to understanding the identity of Jesus Christ in John 3:22-36.   

1. The Old Testament's use of the "bridegroom theme"

It is no accident that the most famous passage on salvation in the Bible - John 3:16, occurs in the same chapter with John the Baptist's declaration of Jesus as the Bridegroom for the people. In the Old Testament, God planned to marry Israel as His wife, as portrayed in His promises to the patriarchs, His covenant with them on Mt. Sinai (Exodus 19-20) and His repeated appeals for them to be faithful as a spouse to her husband (see  Hosea 2:20-23). 

Books of the Old Testament like the Book of Ruth tie in the marital language of the Old Testament with the concept of a "Kinsman Redeemer" who takes on a bride that has no way of redeeming herself. As the Old Testament unfolds this "marital" language describing God and His people (see Psalm 45 and Song of Solomon); the reader is faced with the abrupt theme of divorce representing the breach of covenant by the people to God (see Isaiah 50:1; Jeremiah 3:8; Hosea 2:2). The sad treachery of Israel is thankfully not the final word. Glimpses of promises of restoration sit on the horizons of the prophets. Through prophetic predictions of a new Covenant and coming Messiah (Ezekiel 36:25-26; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Joel 2:28-31), Yahweh revealed His plan to restore unto Himself His people (see again Hosea 2:20-23). What all this means is that God's Sovereign purposes to restore His people was not going to fail. The Old Testament tells us what Yahweh intended to do, and yet it does not reveal how.  

2. The appearance of the Heavenly Divine Bridegroom to achieve salvation for His people

John the Baptist's remarks about Jesus being the "bridegroom" begins to unfold how it is God is going to restore unto Himself a people.  With a surprising twist - that God Himself in the Person of the Son was going to be incarnated as the Groom who would offer Himself to Israel as her Messiah. Redemption is pictured among other things in the New Testament as God's desire to restore broken fellowship with a people who rejected Him! 

3. The Tragedy and Triumph of the Bridegroom in redeeming His people
As the reader journeys throughout the Gospels, we see the following thoughts developed regarding the presentation of the Son as the Groom for His people:

1. The Divine Groom rejoices in coming for His people. Matthew 9:15; John 2:1-12

2. The Divine Groom rejected by His people. Matthew 22:1-5

3. The Divine Groom renders His life on behalf of His people. Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:25-27

4. The surprising climax of the Bridegroom redeeming His people

The New Testament's unfolding of this amazing theme centers almost exclusively on the Groom - The Son.  However there is another twist, a surprise unforeseen by the Old Testament and faintly unfolded in the Gospels - the mystery of the church.  The Son who rejoiced, was rejected, rendered His life and who will return, is now looking forward to coming to receive the bride that is being called forth, one choice person at a time, by the Holy Spirit, resulting in freely made decisions that say: "I do" to Jesus Christ. When we put together all that we have considered up to this point, and then consider how the remainder of the New Testament explains this theme, we discover the following:  

a. The bride is being prepared for her groom, (with Israel being set aside at this present time). Romans 11

b. The Bride will be presented to the Son as His bride in heaven the rapture. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 19:6-7

c. The Bride will be presented here on earth at His second coming (at which point He will restore Israel). Matt 25:1-13; Rom 11:25-26; 1 Thess 4:13-16

d. The Groom will reign on earth with His Bride the church, along with Israel who will be folded into His bride to be at the end of His reign on earth. (Revelation 20)

e. The Groom and Bride will be married for all eternity, thus completing God's purposes in presenting a bride, composed of all of those whom He chose, called and were converted by faith to His Son. 

Closing thoughts

So when we consider all of the above observations with what John says in the opening text of John 3:27-29, we can see why he was so excited. Truly the promises of redemption and restoration were decisively revealed in the life of the incarnation of the Son in Jesus. In the next post, we will feature a brief outline of John 3:22-36 that incorporates what we learned in today's post. 

Major themes of Jesus in John 1-3

John 3:27-29 "John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent ahead of Him.’ 29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made full."

Introduction: the themes of Jesus we find in John chs 1-3

As one considers the first three chapters of John's Gospel, it becomes quickly apparent that the coming of the Son of God altered reality and understanding. Today's post wants to briefly explore the major themes developed by John in the first three chapters of His gospel.

1. The Journey of Deity in partaking of true humanity - John 1:1-18
 John 1:1-18 present the Son coming into this world to reveal Himself as the Person of Jesus of Nazareth. The self-imposed voluntary humiliation of the Son's stooping down to partake in our frail humanity is details in other New Testament passages such as Philippians 2:5-11 and Hebrews 10:5-6. As John unfolds the identity of "the Word made flesh" in John 1:19-3:36, we see several Old Testament themes re-introduced and tied together in Jesus. In John 1:19-51 we see several names of Jesus that reveal Him as truly Divine and truly human (namely "Lamb of God" in 1:29; "Messiah" or "Christ" in 1:41; "King of Israel" in 1:49 and "Son of Man" in 1:51). This journey of the Son's "enmanning" or "incarnation" occupies the "prologue" of John 1:1-18.

2. Lamb of God - John 1:19-51
Here we find various titles expressed by John the Baptist and would-be followers of Jesus. John the Baptist begins this sequence of titles by expressing Jesus as "The Lamb of God". In subsequent follow-up conversations that we find between Jesus and his would-be followers, we see such titles as "Messiah" (John 1:41); "King of Israel" (John 1:49) and "Son of Man" (John 1:51). These three titles work in differing ways to communicate the true Deity and true humanity of Jesus. As the Lamb of God, His mission was to come to die as man for the sins of the people while being God who would ever be the source of their salvation. 

3. The Mediator of the New Covenant - John 2:1-11
The unfolding of Jesus' significance goes on in John 2:1-11, whereby in His first sign or miracle of changing water into wine, He introduces Himself as the Mediator of the inbreaking New Covenant age. This particular identification of Jesus connects the reader to how Jesus' coming alters history and understanding of everything from designating the ending of the Old Testament era to the fulfillment of so many prophecies and promises (see Isaiah 12; Ezekiel 36:25-26; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Joel 2:28-31). The miracle of the wedding at Cana forms a cycle in John which Gerald Borchert in the New American Commentary series describes as "The Cana Cycle":

"The five segments of the Gospel and two transitional statements (2:12, 23–25) that compose the Cana Cycle move the reader’s attention from Cana (2:1–11) and Capernaum (2:12) through Jerusalem (2:13–24) to an unclear Jewish/Judean(?) context (3:1–36), then to Samaria (4:1–42) and back to Cana in Galilee (4:43–54). The focus of this Cana Cycle provides the reader with a perspective on the widening influence of Jesus’ ministry reminiscent of the dominical (i.e a command given by Jesus) commission given the disciples in the postresurrection encounter."


4. Jesus as the New Temple and High Priest - John 2:13-25 
The cleansing of the Temple in John 2:13-25 weaves in another set of themes, namely Jesus as the New Temple and the True High priest who cleanses His temple. Both of these themes are so closely related as to really occupy one two-fold theme.  It appears that Jesus conversation with Nicodemas in John 3:1-21 continues on the two fold theme of temple/priest and the cleansing thereof from John 2:13-25. Ellicott's commentary for English Readers notes this connection: 

"Our division of chapters breaks the connection, and the omission of the conjunction leads us to think of the visit of Nicodemus as quite distinct from what has gone before; whereas it really rises out of it."

Jesus was communicating the old temple system to be obsolete, with Him being the true temple and true High priest - albeit the externals of faith. In John 3:1-21, Jesus' actions lead to the true and only way spiritual cleansing can occur - namely by the New Birth. When one explores the Biblical theme of the Divine Wedding as used by God to portray His redemptive purposes in the Bible, rich themes emerge.  

5. Jesus as the Bridegroom that came for His Bride (i.e His people) - John 3:22-35

Since the Wedding at Cana miracle is set in the context of a wedding, we find Jesus communicating himself as the groom who had come to state and demonstrate his intentions toward the redemption of His people, who are portrayed throughout the Old Testament as "the bride of Yahweh". Consequently, this wedding theme is reinforced in a testimony of John the Baptist in John 3:22-36. In every unfolding episode of the introductory themes we find in John's first three chapters, we find a brief exposition, some sort of sign and then responses of various people to whatever identity of Jesus is being revealed.

The significance of the growth of Jesus' ministry certainly had gained the attention of the people of that time. As all of these themes are introduced and then woven together by John, we find a beautiful tapestry that introduces us the Person of the Son of God. The Bible Knowledge Commentary notes:

"For a short time the ministry of John the Baptist overlapped Jesus’ ministry. Thus the Judean countryside must have been alive with the teaching of both these great preachers of repentance and God’s kingdom. Both John and Jesus had disciples, large crowds followed both of them, and both baptized." 

The same commentary later on adds:
"Both groups were baptizing and thus two “reform” movements were popular. This was before John was put in prison (3:24). This statement reveals how the Fourth Gospel supplements the Synoptics. It implies that readers knew about John’s imprisonment from reading the other Gospels (Matt. 14:1–12; Mark 6:14–29; Luke 3:19–20) or from common church tradition."

Closing remarks:
The point of today's post was to explore the major themes of the first three chapters of John with respect to the identity of Jesus as the Son of God. In our exploration we noted four major themes:

1. The Journey of true Deity partaking in true humanity - John 1:1-18

2. The Lamb of God - John 1:19-51

3. Mediator of the New Covenant. John 2:1-12

4. The New Temple and High Priest. John 2:13-25

5. The Bridegroom who comes for His bride (His people). John 3:1-36

Discovering your spiritual gift fingerprint - the results of your spiritual gift test

1 Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware.

Discovering your spiritual gifts
Whenever a Christian wants to discover what spiritual graces or gifts God has given them, it is sometimes helpful to take a spiritual gifts test.  As you study the Bible's teaching on spiritual gifts, three areas are used by God in developing every Christian: their calling, burdens and opportunities.  In yesterday's post I gave the reader the second part of the spiritual gifts test that evaluates a Christian's gifts in the realm of their abilities.  In this third part of the test, you will be answering questions pertaining to the area of your God-given opportunities. Think of a spiritual gift test as a compass to point you in the right direction.  I would encourage the reader to read the next several days of blogs, since today's post is the third and final leg of the spiritual gift's test before moving into the part where you begin to discover what gifts you may have. 

AN IMPORTANT THOUGHT BEFORE YOU MOVE TO THE LAST SECTION!!

Now that you are done answering the questions, go onto the last section of this test and tally up your answers.  Remember that the results of this test are just suggestions of gifts or areas of ministry for you to look at in discerning your spiritual gifts.  Getting involved in the ministries of the church and serving others is vital in having a true accurate picture of what the Lord has gifted you to do.

Discerning what your gifts might be

Directions: Place the answers you circled in the appropriate box under each set of responses.  Then add each column and write the answer below.  Note the highest numbers and second highest totals to discern your own personal gift combinations. 

PART ONE: ADD UP THE NUMBERS OF YOUR RESPONSES

Questions:                 1        2        3        4       5       6      7      8     9      10    11    12    13    14     15   16   17  18

Calling

Abilities

Opportunities

TOTAL NUMBERS

PART TWO: LOOK TO SEE THE GIFT BELOW EACH TOTAL NUMBER

              

PART THREE: DISCERN WHICH GIFTS YOU MIGHT HAVE

What gift (s) did you rank highest?

_______________________

_______________________

_______________________

_______________________

What gift(s) did you rank second highest?

________________________

________________________

________________________

________________________

Note: It is up to you whether you want to share your findings with your Pastor or other Mature Believer, or whether you keep the results to yourself.  The important thing is that you begin serving God and further explore just how He has designed you with His calling, your abilities, and opportunities.  

Discovering your spiritual gifts by way of your opportunities

1 Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware.

Discovering your spiritual gifts
Whenever a Christian wants to discover what spiritual graces or gifts God has given them, it is sometimes helpful to take a spiritual gifts test.  As you study the Bible's teaching on spiritual gifts, three areas are used by God in developing every Christian: their calling, burdens and opportunities.  In yesterday's post I gave the reader the second part of the spiritual gifts test that evaluates a Christian's gifts in the realm of their abilities.  In this third part of the test, you will be answering questions pertaining to the area of your God-given opportunities. Think of a spiritual gift test as a compass to point you in the right direction.  I would encourage the reader to read the next several days of blogs, since today's post is the third and final leg of the spiritual gift's test before moving into the part where you begin to discover what gifts you may have. 

Directions: At the end of each question circle the numbered response that best reflects how you really feel: 1=Never; 2= Once in a while; 3=Many times; 4= Always.  

The Gifts looked for in this test (Look back at the day before yesterday's post for definitions): Missionary, Reformer, Soul winner, Shepherd, Teacher, Leader, Communicator, Exhorter, Hospitality, Helps/Service, Administrator, Encourager, Giver, Mercy, Wisdom, Knowledge, Discerner, Intercessor

OPPORTUNITIES = “What I desire God to bring, has brought or is bringing into my life”

                                                                                                                                      Please circle 1 answer

1. I desire to be involved or look to be involved in some type of missions trip                                                                                 1 2 3 4

2. I desire to or have served in aiding a person or a group as to where God is leading them                                                            1 2 3 4

3.  The Holy Spirit has given successful attempts in reaching my unsaved loved ones/friends                                   1 2 3 4

4.  I desire to or have shared a message from a pulpit or went on visits with the pastor                                                                    1 2 3 4

5.  I desire to learn how to teach God’s word or have led a Sunday School class/Bible Study                                                          1 2 3 4

6.  I want to lead a ministry, am being asked to lead or have led in an area of the church                                                                    1 2 3 4

7.  I have been or am being asked to present an idea to a group or the church                                                                               1 2 3 4

8.  I want to reach out to or have made efforts in strengthening other believers in their faith                                                           1 2 3 4

9.  I desire to, have or will be opening up my home to people that I just met                                                                                 1 2 3 4

10. I desire, have or will be getting involved in a service project for the church                                                                                     1 2 3 4

11. I desire, have or will be coordinating an event or ministry in our church                                                                                1 2 3 4

12. I want to, have or will be visiting or sending encouragement to people I know are in need                                                            1 2 3 4

13. I am willing, have or will be giving a sizeable gift to a missions project or church ministry                                                            1 2 3 4

14. I desire, have or will be reaching out to unfortunate or hard to reach people                                                                         1 2 3 4

15. I am open to, have or will be giving counsel to people on making godly and wise choices                                                             1 2 3 4

16. I’m compelled, have or will share insight from God’s word that addresses specific needs                                                    1 2 3 4

17. I desire, have or will be prayerfully observing the spiritual nature of a situation or person                                             1 2 3 4

18. I desire to grow deeper in prayer, learn from others how to pray, and minister by prayer                                              1 2 3 4

Discovering your spiritual gifts by way of your abilities

1 Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware.

Discovering your spiritual gifts
Today we continue on with where we left off two days ago with respect to understanding how one discovers their spiritual gifts. Whenever a Christian wants to discover what spiritual graces or gifts God has given them, it is sometimes helpful to take a spiritual gifts test.  

As you study the Bible's teaching on spiritual gifts, three areas are used by God in developing every Christian: their calling, burdens and opportunities.  In yesterday's post I gave the reader the first part of the spiritual gifts test that evaluates a Christian's gifts in the realm of their calling.  In this particular part of the test, you will be answering questions pertaining to the area of your God-given abilities. Think of a spiritual gift test as a compass to point you in the right direction.  I would encourage the reader to read the next several days of blogs, since today's post is the second leg of the spiritual gift's test - namely the area of your abilities. 

Directions: At the end of each question circle the numbered response that best reflects how you really feel: 1=Never; 2= Once in a while; 3=Many times; 4= Always.  

The Gifts looked for in this test (Look back at the day before yesterday's post for definitions): Missionary, Reformer, Soul winner, Shepherd, Teacher, Leader, Communicator, Exhorter, Hospitality, Helps/Service, Administrator, Encourager, Giver, Mercy, Wisdom, Knowledge, Discerner, Intercessor

YOUR ABILITIES = “What I am capable of doing by God’s strength”  Please circle 1 answer

1. I can adapt quickly to new people or cultures in order to openly share Christ                                                                                      1 2 3 4

2. I can point out to people a possible direction that God might be leading them            1 2 3 4

3. I have no problem sharing the gospel in different ways with my friends/family                                                                            1 2 3 4

4. People tend to confide in me when looking for practical biblical solutions to life                                                                            1 2 3 4

5. I can spend hours studying commentaries that uncover the Bible’s deeper meaning                                                                        1 2 3 4

6. I can get a group of people excited about aiming at and accomplishing God’s goals                                                                      1 2 3 4

7. People have told me that I have a knack for explaining things in a simple way                                                                                  1 2 3 4

8. I can cut away the “fluff” and get to the true root of what’s causing spiritual imbalance                                                                     1 2 3 4

9. I can make my home a very welcome place where you’d want to come and fellowship                                                                     1 2 3 4

10.  I serve best and get results when I’m working behind the scenes or under someone                                                              1 2 3 4

11.  If people are needed to be given tasks to accomplish a goal, I can help out                                                                                  1 2 3 4

12. I make phone-calls, send cards and say words to help people cope through issues                                                                     1 2 3 4

13.  I have been blessed with the resources and willingness to give whatever it takes to God                                                       1 2 3 4

14. I can love the un-loveable, and I find it hard to say “no”                                                                                                               1 2 3 4

15. I can counsel people whenever the need arises to be asked for biblical advice                                                                             1 2 3 4

16. I can recall scripture or biblical examples that have met specific problems or situations                                                                1 2 3 4

17. I can sense when something or someone is either for or against God                                                                                             1 2 3 4

18. I can tell what needs to be prayed for and persevere in prayer until the need is met                                                                       1 2 3 4

Enjoyment of Jesus Christ - Reflections upon John 3:22-36

John 3:22-24 "After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He was spending time with them and baptizing. 23 John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there; and people were coming and were being baptized— 24 for John had not yet been thrown into prison."

Introduction:

I thought today we would break away momentarily from our study on the spiritual gifts to consider the chief end for which they are given: namely enjoyment of Jesus Christ. We can scarcely miss the significance of Jesus' miracles, teachings and conversations that stretch from John 1:19-3:21. In today's post we want to consider the importance of John the Baptist's testimony about Jesus and Jesus further remarks following John's testimony in John 3:22-36. Specifically, we want to consider the joy we can find in Jesus Christ as the treasure of our soul. The appearance of the "bridegroom" theme in this text prompts us to focus in on how Jesus causes joy in John the Baptist's life. John the Baptist is recorded saying in John 3:29 "He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made full." These remarks are as a pebble thrown into a pond, with the ripples extending from center to circumference. Each verse in John 3:22-36 is affected somehow by the presence of Jesus and the joy He brings. 

Furthermore, the additional remarks Jesus makes at the end of John 3 propels the reader to further consider why it is a joyful enterprise in relating to Jesus Christ on a Personal level. In my own life, the need for enjoyment of Jesus Christ must be met as I face what can be, at times, not-so-joyful trials. Such trials drive me to him. To see Jesus in His Person as the true source of my joy requires further illumination from the Holy Spirit as I attend to the scriptures, prayer and daily reliance upon Him. John the Baptist's words in John 3:30 echo this particular point, wherein he says: "He must increase, but I must decrease." 

As we consider this stretch of scripture, we can note the following of what is entailed in the joy of Jesus Christ...

1. Sovereignly given joy. John 3:24-27
The sequence of John 3:24-36 opens with the disciples of John discussing matters of ritual purification. To have one's conscience purified was, and still is, a matter of utmost importance. How one can obtain peace of mind and heart is pursued very much by every religion, philosophy and effort of people. How could human beings ever hope to experience the joy that comes with all accounts being settled in the courts and chambers of the deepest innermost being? John the Baptist responds to his disciples by explaining the only way such joy can be obtained in John 3:27. We read in John 3:27 "John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven."

The joy of peace in the heart is a Sovereignly given reality. True joy is a "top-down" working of God by the Person of the Holy Spirit. In other contexts we discover that the reality spoken of here begins with the New Birth (see John 3:3,6; Titus 3:5-6; James 1:17-18; 1 Peter 1:23). Further thoughts carry us to consider how other spiritual realities such as the strength to live for God in spiritual maturity or "sanctification" is credited to God working in proportion to our cooperation (see Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:12-13). John Gill in his commentary notes on this point: 

"Yea, this is true of every man, who has nothing of his own; and whatever he has in nature, providence and grace, is a gift to him; and all he enjoys is in a way of receiving: nor can he receive it,
except it be given him from heaven; from God who dwells there...who is the author and donor of every gift, temporal, spiritual, and eternal; particularly he cannot perceive, and discern spiritual things, nor receive Gospel truths; as it appeared to John his disciples could not, unless spiritual light is given from above."

So the enjoyment of Jesus Christ, as with any spiritual grace, must first be Sovereignly given by God to be placed in my otherwise empty hand. Let's notice a second truth about the enjoyment of Jesus Christ, namely...

2. Source of such joy is Jesus Himself. John 3:28-30
As John the Baptist expounds further on this joy that is Sovereignly given by God, we discover that the joy given is not some ethereal, abstract quanity we call "joy". Instead, the joy given is none other than in whatever is connected to the Person of Christ Himself. John the Baptist likens his particular ministry to that of being the "friend of the bridegroom". 

In the days of the first century, the "friend of the bridegroom" was responsible for helping to set the arrangements for the wedding and the events that would bring together the groom and bride-to-be. He was usually the closest friend of the groom, hand-picked as one who could be trusted to make the union of the groom and his bride to go forth without a hitch. The Holman New Testament Commentary remarks: 

"So the bride and bridegroom imagery is well established in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. As the friend of the bridegroom, John emphasized his delight and joy rather than jealousy over Jesus’ arrival and instant popularity. It is said of the pioneer missionary, William Carey, that when he was close to death he turned to a friend and said, “When I am gone, don’t talk about William Carey; talk about William Carey’s Savior. I desire that Christ alone might be magnified.”

The question before us is this: do we enjoy Jesus for the perceived benefits He can bring, or is the joy we have in Jesus Himself? Is Jesus enough? Is He truly my joy? Is the joy of the Lord really our strength (see Nehemiah 8:10)? The Apostle Peter states it best in 1 Peter 1:8 "and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory." Is it no wonder then why John the Baptist was prompted in decrease, so that Jesus might increase. Jesus was His source of joy. 

So enjoyment of Jesus Christ is Sovereignly given, sourced in Jesus Himself and then finally...

Seals us to enjoy Jesus ever more. John 3:31-36
We read in John 3:33 "He who has received His testimony has set his seal to this, that God is true." What does it mean to have the "sealing of God" on one's life as a Christian? A seal in this sense represents an impression one would had found on wax sealing a document or perhaps an impression or words signifying a building constructed in the name of some dignitary. 2 Timothy 2:19 speaks of such a seal upon the Christian - "Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.” Other texts such as Ephesians 1:13-14 reveal to us how such a seal protects us from totally defecting from the faith in the face of sore trials that will most definitely occur prior to our departure from this world. Such a sealing speaks not only of one's position before Christ, but the power to live out and to persevere. Included in our sealing is the fact of the worthiness of Jesus Christ as above all others and things (John 3:31-33); the words of Christ to sustain us (John 3:34-35, also see John 6:67-70) and warnings to those who have not yet trusted in Jesus Christ (John 3:36). 

The joy of Jesus Christ confronts unbelievers who are finding their joy in the flesh or the things of this world. The joy of the Lord Jesus Christ also causes believers to audit their own hearts to see whatever distractions or worries are attempting to quench the flame of love. 

Closing remarks
Today we considered what it means to enjoy Jesus Christ. We noted three important truths about the joy of Jesus Christ as derived from our time in John 3:22-36..

1. Sovereignly given joy. John 3:24-27

2. Source of such joy is Jesus Himself. John 3:28-30

3. Seals us to enjoy Jesus evermore. John 3:31-36

May we be those who enjoy Jesus every day.  

Wednesday August 17th - Discovering you spiritual gifts by way of your calling

1 Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware.

Discovering your spiritual gifts
Whenever a Christian wants to discover what spiritual graces or gifts God has given them, it is sometimes helpful to take a spiritual gifts test.  The following spiritual gift test is based upon the 18 gifts that were discussed in the last post. As you study the Bible's teaching on spiritual gifts, three areas are used by God in developing every Christian: their calling, burdens and opportunities.  In this particular test, you will be answering questions pertaining to God's area of your calling. Think of a spiritual gift test as a compass to point you in the right direction.  I would encourage the reader to read the next several days of blogs, since today's post is the first leg of the spiritual gift's test - namely the area of your calling. 

Directions: At the end of each question circle the numbered response that best reflects how you really feel: 1=Never; 2= Once in a while; 3=Many times; 4= Always.  

The Gifts looked for in this test (Look back at yesterday's post for definitions): Missionary, Reformer, Soul winner, Shepherd, Teacher, Leader, Communicator, Exhorter, Hospitality, Helps/Service, Administrator, Encourager, Giver, Mercy, Wisdom, Knowledge, Discerner, Intercessor

YOUR CALLING = “What I’m led or burdened to do” Please circle 1 answer

1. I am burdened to represent Christ to those who have never heard the gospel                                                                               1 2 3 4

2. I feel compelled to speak of where God is wanting to move in today’s church and culture                                                             1 2 3 4

3. I am burdened to think of different ways in sharing the gospel                                                                                                      1 2 3 4

4. I am burdened to direct people to God’s word for answers to life’s issues          1 2 3 4

5. I find it a thrill to unpack God’s word for others to explore                                1 2 3 4                                             

6. Motivating people towards a set of God’s goals excites me                                                                                                        1 2 3 4

7. I am comfortable explaining complex ideas in simple ways for people to understand  1 2 3 4

8. I am burdened to motivate others to focus on God and not their problems                 1 2 3 4

9.  I enjoy opening my home up to Bible studies or get-togethers.                                 1 2 3 4

10. I serve better behind the scenes than out in the public eye                                     1 2 3 4

11. I enjoy analyzing situations and figuring out who needs to go where                       1 2 3 4

12. I desire to pour my soul out to people who need strengthening                             1 2 3 4

13. I endeavor to give all I can without hesitation to further the work of the gospel                                                                  1 2 3 4

14. Its my mission to befriend those who are in emotional or physical need                  1 2 3 4

15. I believe in practical and systematic problem solving before rushing to conclusions                                                            1 2 3 4

16. I desire to use God’s word to give insight into a specific situation or need           1 2 3 4

17.  I make it a priority to pray and proceed cautiously before acting in any situation                                                             1 2 3 4

18. I usually will sense the need to pray-for others and to pray for long stretches of time                                                                 1 2 3 4