Faith without religion.
Faith, Works, and the Essence of Christian Love
On July 21st, 2013, a gathering took place to delve into the teachings of John 1, focusing on the transition from John the Baptist’s ministry to that of Jesus. The session began with a reflection on Hebrews 4:12, emphasizing the power of God’s word to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart. This was followed by a study of John 1:35-51, where the narrative unfolds with John the Baptist identifying Jesus as the “Lamb of God” and the subsequent calling of Jesus’ first disciples.
The teaching highlighted the significance of John the Baptist’s role in directing his disciples towards Jesus, illustrating the essence of Christian ministry: to point others to Christ. As the story progresses, we see Andrew and another disciple, possibly John the Beloved, following Jesus after John’s declaration. This moment of conversion is depicted as a pivotal shift from following tradition to embracing the Messiah.
The narrative continues with Jesus calling Philip and Nathanael, showcasing the personal encounters and revelations that lead to faith. Nathanael’s initial skepticism about Nazareth is met with Philip’s simple invitation, “Come and see,” underscoring the power of personal experience in recognizing Jesus as the Messiah.
Throughout the teaching, the emphasis was placed on the importance of following Jesus alone, amidst the myriad of distractions and alternative “leaders” the world offers. The journey of faith was likened to climbing Mount Everest, with increasing challenges that test and strengthen one’s commitment to Christ.
In conclusion, the session encouraged believers to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus, to embrace the pruning and growth that come with spiritual maturity, and to rely on the guidance of God’s word. The teaching closed with a reminder of the active role of angels in Jesus’ ministry and their continued presence in the lives of those who follow Him.
