(JOHN CHAPTER 1)
Verse 28:
These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.
As we consider our opening verse today, which gives us the location of
one of the places where John was a witness for Christ, I wonder - can
you think of specific locations where YOU have testified of the Savior?
In what places have YOU done things for God? Are there certain settings
where you won't talk of Christ? A soul winner is a voice for Jesus wherever
he or she goes!
Verse 29:
The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb
of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
The day after the Jews had been with John, he spotted Jesus coming unto
Him and made an official announcement of His coming describing the Savior
as the Lamb of God. What a perfect title John chose to give Christ before
these people! Certainly they were familiar with lamb sacrifices, so John's
opening line was a witness in itself. Every sentence this soul winner
spoke was full of intent as he deducted situations quickly and wisely
utilized them for eternal purposes. Though the Bible gives Jesus many
wonderful names, folks who do not have a personal relationship with Christ
need to know Him first as the Lamb of God - which taketh away the sin
of the world. Again, John uses terms that create open doors in the hearts
of the listeners and encourages their faith in God. Ladies, if God came
to take away sin, who are we to hold onto it? A soul winner hates sin
- beginning with his own.
1 John 4:9-10
In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent
his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent
his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Yes, it was God's love, not our good behavior that evoked mercy. A soul
winner understands the importance of love. It's not that we loved God
but that God loved us when we had no love for Him! His love is one that
embraces sinners and is willing to forgive them. Therefore, as ambassadors
for Christ, we must withdraw our love from God and reach out to the same.
Does love control your life, Christian woman? If it does not, soul winning
will be an unpleasant task, among your other responsibilities as a child
of God.
Verse 30:
This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before
me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made
manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.
As always, John bestowed honor upon Christ whether he was face to face
with Jesus or absent from Him, whether he was in a place of worship or
elsewhere…. He thought exceedingly highly of the Savior and John's reverence
inspired others to become acquainted with the Lamb of God. There was a
time when those of us who are born again did not esteem the Lord. A big
part of soul winning is sharing the record of our ignorance of the Lord
and how God worked in our lives to reveal Himself to us. As we each mull
over our own sins He has taken away, as well as the penalty of them, our
awe of God should grow and openly and generously be expressed. Do you
appreciate Jesus as you should, dear lady? How often do you verbalize
your admiration of the Savior? Do your lips credit God for the blessings
in your life? Through John's example, let us understand how much honor
enhances our witness for the Lord. A soul winner will show God to be what
He is:
Rev. 5:12
Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive
power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and
blessing.
God Bless,
Pam
Isaiah 60:1&2
Copyright 2002 Pamela A. Iannello
