GULSA – John 3 What does this passage say about GOD?

• Jesus is rabbi (teacher from God) – God is with Jesus • Jesus must be God because of what he can do • God loved the world, so he sent Jesus • Jesus is God’s messenger, He is God • Jesus descended from heaven (the Son of Man) • Jesus did not come to condemn, but to save • Jesus is the Bridegroom – Israel’s long-awaited King and Messiah (in the OT, Israel is frequently depicted as God’s “bride”) • Jesus is above all • Jesus was sent by God so He utters the words of God and He gives the Holy Spirit to us • God loves the Son (Jesus) and has given all things into His hand What does this passage say about US as people?

• We are in “darkness” and need Jesus to be brought into the light • We need to be born again = reconciled to God (to see the kingdom of God) o Born of water and the Spirit – spiritual birth: cleanses from sin and bring spiritual transformation and renewal. o See Ezekiel 36:25-27 • As a Christian, we become more like God through the power of the Holy Spirit • We can only speak of what we know (we only know salvation through the power of the Holy Spirit, without the Holy Spirit and being a child of God, we do not understand salvation) • Believing in Jesus = eternal life • Whoever believes in Jesus is not condemned • We love the darkness when we are apart from the light o Those who are not followers of Jesus, their works are evil and will be exposed • Those who are children of God – have works carried out in God • As children of God, we must decrease and God’s presence in our life must increase • Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him What do you LIKE about the passage? How would you SUMMARIZE the passage?

• Jesus speaking directly to Nicodemus – Nicodemus should be able to understand Jesus because he would have been familiar with Ezekiel 37 • God sent Jesus because He loves me (us) • Salvation has nothing to do with me • A believer is one who: o Practices righteousness o Doesn’t practice sinning o Loves God and others o Believes in Jesus APPLICATION:

• Sin to confess: I am a broken sinner (living in darkness) in need of a Savior (to bring the light) • Promise to recognize: I can be reconciled to God through Jesus • Example to Follow: Believe in Jesus and be transformed through the power of the Holy Spirit. Practice righteousness! • Command to Obey: Practice righteousness, do not practice sinning, love God & others, believe in Jesus • Knowledge to Gain: I can be “born again” through Jesus Christ How should you personally apply this passage?

• Believe and be saved! Be transformed by the power of the Spirit! Because I have been transformed and I am empowered through the Holy Spirit, I can: practice righteousness, love God and others. • Confess our need for Jesus daily.