This is an excerpt from chapter 24 of my upcoming book, the Reality of being a Believer, whether Jew or Gentile. My first book, Prayer, is on Amazon.

What is the most well known scripture in the world? Of course it is John 3:16. Most people saved or not can quote it from memory. It is an iconic scripture standing for what it means to be a believer. I have seen it displayed at football or baseball games. It has appeared any where there were people to see or a camera to broadcast it. People have fought against displaying this one particular scripture because it has such meaning for everyone. Ever look at what this scripture says and means? The meaning it has for the believer is basic. It is about who God is and what He has done for us. Then the second part speaks of what we have to do for God and ourselves. So, what does it say specifically?

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16.

For God so loved the world, that pretty much includes everyone. It does not exclude anyone. God loves everyone on this earth. Then what did He do because He loves everyone? For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. This means that God gave Jesus to be sacrificed for our sins that we could come back to Him. This is a very strong love to do that for His creation. God gave to us the most important gift He had to rescue us from eternal death. This is something that we could not do for ourselves. Only God has the power to be able to transform us into the image and likeness of Himself. After man sinned and was separated from Him, God gave to us a redeemer to come back to Himself. Giving is a most important part of our life here on earth.

Crain Blanchard.

Joseph1637@juno.com

Joseph1637.com

This is an except from chapter 21 of my upcoming second book, The Reality of being a Believer, whether Jew or Gentile. My first book, Prayer, is on Amazon.

Commitment to God requires courage on our part. We can not continue unless we believe that God is true and worthy of our commitment. The day I gave my heart to the Lord, was the day that He came down and surrounded me for most of the day. His presence was so thick that everyone else was a million miles away. It was God and me. I did not understand what was going on and became afraid. That is when the presence of God left me. I turn to my friend who brought me to church in the first place. He and his wife began to disciple me. They had a new baby and I became their second one. For 6 months I was at their home every night, listening and learning about God and His purpose for me. It took the fear out of following God. As I learned I grew in the Lord. My faith grew exponentially. Soon I became taking on the commandments of God. As they worked through me, I grew. The word of God taught that I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. And that I can move mountains if I believe and do not doubt.

The power of God does not flow through someone who is not committed. We as a human do not have the power to changed anything. But when we as believers ask God to do something, He will work through us to accomplish His will on this earth. I have seen many miracles and the hand of God change the world right in front of me.

As I walked with God, my faith grew to where I was using it to accomplish God’s will on this earth. But I was committed to God’s plan. God began to teach me and lead me in paths where I did not see anyone walking down. One, it was not for anyone else what God was teaching me. Two, God wanted me to be reliant on Him alone. This is where courage and commitment come into play. The paths that God was leading me on, scared me. I had to have courage to walk in the valley of the shadow of death. And commitment to follow God into hell and back. So, where do you stand?

Crain Blanchard.

Joseph1637@juno.com

Jospeph1637.com