Message by:
Pastor Terry Crawford
Covenant Church
Shepherdstown, WV
Trusting Jesus gives us the right to be Children of God.
John 1:9-13
The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
The Christmas Story - Jesus, the true light, came into our world.
A Hard Truth: Not everyone is a child of God.
We are made in His image, we are drawn to Him, and we have faith to come to him that he placed in us, but only a life giving spiritual birth places you in his eternal family. Not the outcome of a biological urge, or legal marriage. A spiritual Birth for a spiritual kingdom by a Spiritual/heavenly father.
Privilege of Being Born of God
- Not of blood - i.e., by virtue of physical descent (Abraham our Father)
- Not of flesh - i.e., by virtue of the lusts of the flesh (Biological urge or lust)
- Not of the will of man - i.e., by virtue of power in a man's will alone (Legal)
- But of God - i.e., a rebirth possible only by the Spirit of God
Between us and eternal life there are two great obstacles. One is that we are spiritually lifeless and dead. The other is that we are sinfully corrupt and guilty. We cannot inherit life as children of God if we are dead and if we are guilty. But God so loved us that he did two things.
He sent his Spirit to cause us to be born again, to quicken us and make us pass from death to life. And so he overcomes the first obstacle.
But in perfect harmony with the work of his Spirit God sent his Son to die for our sin (John 1:29) and remove the guilt of all who believe in him. So the moment we believe in him, even though we are sinners, we are authorized in him to lay hold on the inheritance of the children of God. And so the second obstacle is removed.
Receivers and believers have the right to become children of God.
Romans 8:14-17
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry,“Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Children of God receive Jesus and what he has to offer.
lambánō (from the primitive root, lab-, meaning "actively lay hold of to take or receive," see NAS dictionary) – properly, to lay hold by aggressively (actively) accepting what is available (offered). lambánō ("accept with initiative") emphasizes the volition (assertiveness) of the receiver.
When we recognize the light we grab it. We willfully welcome him into our lives.
John Piper:
Receiving Jesus means that when Jesus offers himself to you, you welcome him into your life for what he is.
Receiving Jesus means taking Jesus into your life for what he is. It does not mean a kind of peaceful co-existence with a Christ who makes no claims—as though he can stay in the house as long as he doesn't play his music so loud.
When Jesus preached in Nazareth in Luke 4:16 ., the people received him gladly. It says In Luke 4:22, "All spoke well of him, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth." But a few verses later it says in Luke 4:28 they were "filled with wrath" and tried to throw him down from a cliff. They were happy to receive him while his words were pleasing. But when their pride was fingered, they rejected him. Receiving Jesus does not mean a kind of peaceful co-existence with a Christ who makes no claims. Receiving Jesus means taking him into your life (your home, your school, your work, your marriage, your dreams) for who he really is.
Children of God believe Jesus is who he claimed.
pisteúō (from pístis, "faith," derived from peíthō, "persuade, be persuaded") believe (affirm, have confidence);
Being a child of God is not a label but a lifestyle.
Colossians 2:6-7
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness
If not everyone is a child of God, am I?
Covenant Church Website
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