Topic: new birth

John 2:1-12 The miracle of turning water into wine is described in John 2:11 as "the first of His signs.

The experiential theology of early Dutch Calvinism finds its clearest expression in the writings of a number of seventeenth century writers, such as William Ames, T J...

God’s love for us is much greater than our love for Him. So often, we are like the people of ‘Israel’ in Hosea’s time. They did not have much love for the Lord because they didn’t pay much attention to Him (Hosea 10:3). We look at them, and we see ourselves. God loves us so much. We love Him so little. He speaks to us of his love for us. We hardly take any notice of Him. We take his love for granted. We don’t take time to say, “Thank you”.

1:1-2:7 - ‘In everything’ Christ is ‘pre-eminent’ (18). In Him, there is salvation - ‘redemption, the forgiveness of sins’ (14) - , sanctification - ‘mature in Christ’ (28) - and service - making Him known (27). Everything is in Christ. In Him are ‘all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge’ (2:3) - all that we need for salvation, sanctification and service.

Creation has been 'completed' (1). Salvation will be completed (Philippians 1:6)! We read of 'the breath of life', producing ' a living being' (7). Separated from God through our sin, we have become spiritually dead (Ephesians 4:18; 2:1). Through the Spirit, we have been 'born again'. This new birth is brought about by the breath of life, the wind of the Spirit (John 3:5-8).

4:1-34 - God’s Word carries this message: ‘He who has ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit says...’ (9; Revelation 2:7,11,17,29; 3:6,13,22). We must listen for the voice of the Spirit. Grace has been ‘given’ to us (11). It is God's gift. To God be the glory! Sadly, some refuse to listen. Think about your response to God's Word (15-20). Let your light shine (21-23; Matthew 5:16). Use your gifts, or lose them (24-25). We preach the Word.