EVERLASTING LIFE
Suggested Reading: John 2 – 3
(click scripture link to read online)
Here is a panorama of the modern day city of Cana (John 2). The population at the time of Jesus would have reflected more the size of a small village.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.
Key Verse: John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Jesus repeated the John 3:16 truth again in 3:18, and in 3:36 He restates this fact. We should watch for when the Holy Spirit inspires the writers of Scripture to record these repeats. Jesus would not waste words, but would make sure He got His point across. In this case, eternal destinies are at stake. The words “believe in” make all the difference. We can believe about Jesus, or believe maybe, and go through all the motions of religion, but nothing will change. Believing “in” Jesus changes everything! This is what a bride does when she walks down the church aisle and says, “I will” and “I do.” She is giving her very life to her beloved. According to Jesus, in marriage, the two become one. We are one with Him. Jesus, as in the wedding in Cana, literally becomes the LIFE of the party. Our celebration of our union with Him goes on forever. We should celebrate together with others as often as possible. Going to Church and enjoying the company of others in Christ’s Bride is a natural expression of our union.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, You gave Your life to me, and I’ve given my life to You. I believe in You. I pray for grace so that I won’t take You for granted or bring any disgrace to You. You love me and have told me over and over that You do. I love You too with all my heart. I delight in Your presence! Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
A few blogs ago, I mentioned a live Canadian Broadcasting Corporation TV interview where I was asked about money. In that same show, the host, who was a one-time ordained minister, said that Jesus only spoke of being “born again” once. I answered, “Charles, have you been reading your Bible faithfully lately?” Jesus said that twice for a stronger emphasis. The Apostles taught this in several places such as in 2 Corinthians 5:17. Saint Paul taught that if we are in Christ we are new creations. Old things have passed away and all things have become new. What an amazing opportunity to boast in the Person and work of Jesus.
I can’t let this blog pass by without mentioning that in 1983 our second daughter, Ellen Jean, married a young man named Nizar Shaheen, whose home town is Cana of Galilee, where Jesus performed His first miracle (John 2). His culture says that the groom’s family puts on the wedding, not Ellen’s family. Nizar’s arrival at the church in Cana was spectacular. He was dressed in white and rode on a highly decorated white horse with hundreds of men dancing around him. The bride, on the other hand, simply slipped out from the background to stand before the pastor for the ceremony. Experiencing a Middle-Eastern wedding helped me to understand the coming of Christ for His Bride in a new way (Rev. 19:11 & Rev 21:9). I’ve taken the time just now to thrill to the reading of the last chapter of the Bible, Revelation 22. I recommend it. Also, I encourage everyone to check out what God has done with this Cana marriage by visiting the website of Nizar and Ellen’s ministry to the Arab world, called Light For All Nations.
Yours to tell the stories of the past, an old man’s joy, and to teach that we can be confident that God will put the final period to the stories of how His Bride and He have done God’s will on earth as it is in Heaven,
David
One of the most loved and most quoted verses of the Bible, no doubt. John 3:16 is a love letter to us all.
I have to ask the obvious David, that man you told about in your story, was it Charles Templeton by chance?
Yes Scott…it was Charles Templeton…good guess!
first time to read this and will need to get up earlier, have passed on to a family member. GREAT JOB!!! The internet is certainly not all bad is it? BRILLIANT presentation.
These texts are so rich and detailed in meaning, and of living our life in Christ! The last chapter of Revelation ties in so beautifully. Lots to think about, and take to heart in renewal of spirit. I liked your description of Ellen Jean’s wedding and the meaning behind it. Have a great day!
In reply to Scott; I can’t say for sure if Charles Templeton was in fact the individual Mr. Mainse was talking about but, as you are probably quite aware of, google and Wikipedia will tell you everything you want to know about Charles Templeton. It will suffice to say that an understatement would be to say that he was a controversial character! In the late 1950s, Charles struggled with his faith and became an Agnostic. He did attend seminary and founded his own church before losing his faith. He was an evangelist along with Billy Graham. It is mind boggling how one can retrieve all this information with a few letters and a click! We all take it for granted but, our ancestors would be Flabergasted! Thank you, Mr. Mainse, for sharing that story about your daughter and Son in Law. I do recognize that man as I have seen him on other ministries. John 3:16; short and oh so sweet!! Thank you JESUS, AMEN.
Thankyou !!!
Thank you!!!
Lianne Hogg
( Overwelmed ) Thank you David
Peace, Joy, and Love and Prayers being sent your way…..
How proud you and Norma-Jean can be of all you’re children.
Let us glorify the King of kings!
Hello David,
I read your blog everday on my break at work. You and your family seem like close friends to us because you came into our homes for so many years. One time when Mom and I were attending a Crossroads dinner in Edmonton I overheard my 5 year old tell her brother “Mom and Nana are having supper with David tonight” .
Some time ago in the blog you mentioned a book about your father . Unless I misunderstood it sounded like you gave your last copy to someone. I have a copy of “A Happy Heart”, if that is the one you are referring to . I would be honored to send you my copy . I also have a second copy which belonged to Mom.
It is good to get your teaching and hear what God has put on your heart.
Thank you .
Thank you for sharing information on your daughter’s wedding what a sight That must have been.
A big thank you to Reynold for his pictures I enjoy them so very much I can enlarge them and enjoy the details. Places were Jesus walked, healed the sick, minister and so much more. Thank David for your teaching and making the word of God easy to understand. God Bless you and your family.
Soon and very soon we are going to see the King
Soon and very soon we are going to see the King
Hallejah! Hallejah! we are going to see the King
No more crying there we are going to see the King
Hallejah! Hallejah!
We are going to see the King
I am looking forward to that day.
When He wipes away our tears.
My heart has just been broken the last couple of days or so.
I rejoice in my freedom
The freedom that Christ gave me when He died for my sins.
His grace and mercy towards me overwhelms but makes me so thankful.
Thank you David for this blog and all the research and sharing that you put in to it.
Mellany
Yes, David…as one of your 14,000 interviewees …I treasure the time I was able to be a witness on 100 Huntley Street (Thanksgiving day, 2002) to share how I am a “modern day version” of the Samaritan woman in John 4. Our ABBA makes the most beautiful stories out of our lives (Psalm 40…is my scripture theme) and I ask Him to help me tell His story of how he rescued, redeemed and restored my life. As Paul Bilheimer wrote: “Lord, don’t let me waste my sorrows”! Thank you David for digging wells for all of us! I am thankful for the “well” of Crossroads ministries.
Thank you dear Pastor for your very inspirational messages. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you and your team of Spirit filled/anointed professionals on the initiative to launch Crossroads TV on the internet. We desperately need it. The timing couldn’t be better. Enclosed is my daily prayer for the ministry and for all the Christian Organizations across our continent that are keen to share the message of the Gospel of our Lord and Master Jesus Christ. Here goes…
PRAYER FOR CROSSROADS &CHRISTIAN ORGANIZATIONS/MINISTRIES
I pray for all the different media,
Ministries over the air-
That people around the world O Lord,
Would tune in for spiritual fare.
When they reach for the remote,
Or read the info panel,
Guide their fingers by Your Spirit,
To press the Christian channel.
And whilst they