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We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. John 1:1 is the theme of John’s Gospel. We want to focus on this theme during this Christmas season, because is it the reason we celebrate! “The Word became flesh” lifts Christianity above all other religions in that this truth declares the intensely intimate relationship established at creation between God as Creator and Man as the creature! Let’s consider:
- THE WORD! John makes five important associations or connections that are necessary for us to know! 1st Jesus was, is, and will eternally co-exist with God as God (v.1-3); 2nd Jesus is the Source of Light and Life (v. 4); 3rd Jesus was not recognized by His own creation (v. 10); 4th The Creator becomes part of His creation as a human being (v. 14); 5th The Logos, Word is fully participating in His creation. All these truths show us how much God desires for us to be connected to Him, not just as His creation, but as His adopted children. Because God became Man, The Word became flesh, that verse 15 is true; and it’s because of verse 16 we are able to live in verse 16. The wonderful truth of this is that the God of creation is the God of redemption who has come into creation as a human being to redeem all people!
- THE WORD BECAME! Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, John is telling us, clearly, there is no doubt The Word was the same God as the God of the OT, of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob! In the word “became” God is telling us how He was incarnate! God acted upon Himself to become human. God in the Person of the Holy Spirit acted upon Mary and that which was conceived in her was God The Son, born fully God in human flesh! I know that’s a lot to chew, so chew it slowly and meditate on it, and God will help you understand. Let’s consider
- THE WORD BECAME FLESH! The Holy Spirit inspired John to use the word “flesh” for a purpose. Everywhere in Scripture the word “flesh” represents sin, worldly desires, and the evil influences of sin. Jesus came to redeem us from sin, not from being human! God demanded human blood, not the blood of animals to redeem a human soul (Heb. 4:10). God The Son became what we are, so He could renew us into what He is in His righteousness! That is an amazing thought! In becoming flesh, Jesus destroyed the flesh, freeing us from it and it’s condemnation to a Christless, eternal hell! Yet another amazing truth is that in just four words John summarizes the doctrine of the incarnation, and the doctrine of salvation!
In this Christmas season, it is necessary for us to stop and focus solely on why we have Christmas. Our culture and society have taken Christ out of Christmas and replaced Him with commercialism, spending, and partying! Stop for a moment and consider what God has already done for you, and consider how small a thing giving your life to Him is in return for being adopted as a child of the Living Eternal God Who created you! Such consideration has eternal consequences! If we can help you answer your spiritual questions, call us at (574) 643-9419.
