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.

Passion or Zeal are like spiritual powerful bulldozers that forge forward pushing aside everything that hinders, everything that gets in the way—nothing can stop them—and of the goal—Heaven This is exactly what God wants for every Christians.  Be a Spiritual Bulldozer: “not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord” (Rom. 12:11), Be a Spiritual Bulldozer: “His own special people, zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14), Be a Spiritual Bulldozer: Apollos was “fervent in spirit” (Acts 18:25), Be a Spiritual Bulldozer: The Corinthian Christians’ “zeal has stirred up the majority” (2 Cor. 9:2). How do you increase your spiritual passion? It all begins with…

While with his mother and disciples at a wedding feast Jesus the King of kings, and Lord of lords was informed by his mother “They have no wine.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.” There are many things we learn from this record, but the greatest lesson I believe is to be learned in just seven words that Mary spoke to the servants, She didn’t say, listen to me, but “Whatever He says to you, do it.”

In this lesson we’ll point to another method that helps us to Draw Nearer to God –  it’s called Discernment. When practiced—indeed causes us to draw near to God. We must never Assume, that we are discerning—a mistake that many good people make.  To avoid this Paul wrote, “Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil”  (1 Thess. 5:21-22). To what do we test the spirits against? Of course—against God’s Word : Remember Jesus “It is written” (Matt. 4:4, 6, 7, 10). We must understand that discernment does not come automatically upon conversion but it is an ability that comes through “time and exercise”—not time only—but “time and exercise”

What do all the shepherds, John the Baptist, Andrew, Philip, and Nathanael all have in common? 1. They All Heard from Someone about Jesus, 2. They All Told Others About Jesus, and 3. They All Began to Follow Jesus. Why? Why did they follow Jesus? Because there was never anyone like Jesus—because their hearts compelled them to say, “we found Him…come and see”. Here between verses 43 and 51 are some good reasons that when the Savior says, “follow Me” we should be following Jesus…

Every day without God is a bad day, but on the other hand that means every day with God is a good day. In Deuteronomy 6 20 through 25 are instructions to fathers such as, “When your son asks you in time to come, saying, ‘What is the meaning of the testimonies, the statutes, and the judgments which the Lord our God has commanded you?’ 21 then you shall say to your son…” (20-21). Tell them is the key. Tell them about God, His powerful works, His saving hand, and His promises. Nothing has changed, today we also must tell those who ask of us about the hope we have in Christ (1 Pet. 3:15).

John the Baptist was a perfect example of how powerful one voice can be, and how much impact “the voice of one” can have in just three short days…

James said, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (James 4:8). It is imperative that we do everything we can to draw closer and closer to our Father. Of course learning of Him through His precious word is the only way. What is wonderful is that great things happen along the way, great benefits / blessings. We’ll consider just a few in this lesson and if the Lord wills, we’ll in future lessons consider methods for drawing closer to God.