TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:31-32
Read: John 20:20-31
Listen: John 20
TODAY’S MESSAGE
All of us want a life that is something real and meaningful. In today’s verse, we read that by believing in Jesus, people can have life in his name. John wants to highlight the deep truths about who Jesus is and that there’s life through believing in him. In John 10:10, Jesus says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full.” Jesus repeats this theme in teachings—that following Jesus gives people the life God created them for. Something real and meaningful.
Our culture does not usually point towards honoring God. It’s easy to believe following Jesus diminishes our freedom and actions or that Christianity is just a list of rules robbing us of the real fun in life. If we’re not careful, we can act as if following Jesus and living in a way that honors him means a life of less joy and life.
However, the truth is following Jesus and becoming more like him lets us experience life like nothing else—real, abundant life. Life as it is meant to be in harmony with God and the world. A peaceful life knowing we can trust God when things are tough. A thankful life knowing God forgives our past. A hopeful life where God will fix what is broken. And a balanced life when we put God first above everything else. This is the life promised in a relationship with God—the real abundant life.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Listen to the Ada Bible Worship Team sing, “Living Hope.” As you listen, consider these words: that Jesus truly is your living hope today, he has broken every chain and set you free, AND that in his name there is salvation and living hope.
2023 SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
Join us all of 2023 developing a different spiritual practice each month. SPIRITUAL PRACTICES are intentional regular activities to deepen our relationship with God and mold us to be more like Jesus.
April is CONFESSION. Keep track of our spiritual practices at beyondtheweekend.org/spiritualpractices.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
