As someone put it: “Fear is simply unbelief parading in disguise.” FAITH IN THE POWER OF JESUS OVERCOMES FEAR: When His disciples were fearful of the storm at sea – (Matt. 8:23-27), When Peter faltered as he went to Jesus walking on the water – (Matt. 14:25-33), As Jesus taught them not to have fearful anxiety concerning the necessities of life – (Luke 12:27-32). Placing our trust in the Master eliminates our worst fears: The fear of facing this life alone?  Jesus promised, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” – (Matt. 28:20). “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?'” – (Heb. 13:5-6). What is the worst that can happen? Is it death? Jesus addressed that too. His own victory over death frees us from the fear of death – (Heb. 2:14-15).

Much of our focus today is on the Coronavirus and how quickly it spreads. Men want to stop the virus–wash your hands–keep a distance from others–and isolate or self-quarantine. In the same way the Devil wants us to–wash our hands of our responsibilities to go and preach–keep a safe distance from people who might ask you questions and isolate yourself from gatherings where opportunities may present themselves. But, we must be like the woman and the well who after hearing Jesus, right away went into the town and told others about the Lord (John 4:27-41). And also like Peter and John who were told “stop” and they didn’t because they had standing orders from the angel of the Lord “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life” (Acts 5:20). Jesus said, “Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!” (John 4:35). We don’t yet have a cure for the Coronavirus–but how awful and sinful would it be if we did have it, but kept it to ourselves–seeing the sick and dying–all the while having the cure in our pockets. In the same way–how awful are we–who have the cure for sin and death in our hearts–see the needy sinner–and just wash our hands–keep a safe distance–and isolate ourselves?

We need to be constantly drawing near to God. One important method is gauging ourselves, that is by testing our daily lives against scriptural examples of the saints behaviors and practices. Everyone who is therefore in Christ—will be transformed by the renewing of their minds (Rom. 12:2)—will have “their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Heb. 5:14). Remember it was Solomon who asked God, “Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” (1 Kings 3:9). Therefore, I conclude that when one partakes of the living water—one will begin to be changed in such a way that self, and others will be able to “know them by their Fruits”. 

What is truly amazing water is the very element which we all need, and use so much—And God has blessed us exceedingly with abundance in the form of dew, rain, ponds, lakes, creeks, streams, rivers, seas and oceans. Where every life is—there is water. Our Bibles both old and new testaments offer an important sense of the spiritual imagery of water. It is important to get into the minds of the ancient Israelites—seeing the important role water played to their very existence. This helps us understand how and why Jesus uses these images to tell about himself—and how the woman at the well understood its significance…

In this series we’ve considered many ways one can “Draw Near to God”. In this lesson we will focus on the three things necessary to achieve a stronger, and closer relationship with our Almighty Lord, answering the questions, what more can I do?

Jesus was visited by Nicodemus in the night and was taught a man must “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). Jesus explained what this meant to this ruler of the Jews but he didn’t quite get it. Nicodemus asked Jesus, “How can these things be?” (v.9). From here we will consider three things. The importance of using the faculties God gave us, and the importance of loving the light…

James tells us to “draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). James also gives us methods that when followed will help us draw near to God. The first is to divorce the world…

Nicodemus learned many things during the days of the feast in Jerusalem. He was witness to the signs Jesus did and he quickly learned that Jesus was not ordinary. So, he cam to Jesus in the night, calling Him Rabbi and proclaimed “we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him” (John 3:1-2). After this the Lord began to teach Nicodemus the way a man must if he wishes to see the kingdom. “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born [a]again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (v.3)…

There is a great advantage to spending your life drawing near to God. There are great rewards along the way, and the greatest reward at the end of the journey. Drawing near to God isn’t just a religious exercise or a duty—it’s ABOUT HAVING GOD ON YOUR SIDE. When God made a covenant with Abram He said, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward” (Genesis 15:1). God will be your shield and your exceedingly great reward too for when you draw near to God, He will draw near to you (James 4:8)and in that there is great reward.

When Jesus went into the temple in Jerusalem, He found the temple filled with men doing what should not be done, “in the temple”. Those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business that didn’t belong there, Jesus drove out (John 2:13-22). There isn’t a physical temple today, but there is a temple. Paul said, “19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body [a]and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Cor. 6:19-20). Your body is the temple, and it, like the temple in Jerusalem should be kept pure. Jesus has provided us with every tool we need to clean out our temple, and make room for Him, the Holy Spirit. He gave us a list of the things that should occupy, and the things that should be thrown out. We must have “Zeal for Your house” (John 2:17), and devote yourself to making it what the Father wants it to be.