DIFFERENT CHAPTER 8 SAVED BY HOPE (PART 2) LIVING, SPEAKING, & ACTING IN HOPE FOR ONE ANOTHER

DIFFERENT

CHAPTER 8

SAVED BY HOPE (PART 2) 

 LIVING, SPEAKING, & ACTING IN HOPE FOR ONE ANOTHER

Through the hardening of hearts, men cannot see those who are unlike them as their brothers. So, then, we are at war with peace which is born of God's unconditional love, which means that men are at war with God. Therefore, true peace shall not come until the hearts of men are at peace with God. -mishael

Brethren,

Through God's Grace and Mercy, we have been saved by hope: God's hope for mankind; God's hope for us as individuals; and hope given to us through the love and encouragement of parents, family, friends, mentors, coaches, teachers, clergy, counselors and many others. God has put people we don't even know in our lives to hope for us. Their prayers, guidance, and well wishes have helped to get us to where we are today. Praise God! You must believe that somewhere, someone is praying for you directly or indirectly, even if you don't know about it. As Disciples, Intercessors, Prayer Warriors, Neighbors, Brethren, and Children of God, this is what our Father asks us to do for one another--pray unceasingly. We must have hope for one another.

However, are we passing that hope on as John the Baptist passed it on to Jesus? John the Baptist knew that Jesus was the One who had been prophesied about, He, Jesus, having so much more to offer than John, himself. Through his conversation with his disciples, we know that John passed on hope, unselfishly. He could have been bitter, angry, jealous, and possessive when his disciples told him that Jesus and his disciples also baptized people. He could have gossiped and spoken evil of them right then and there amongst his disciples. He could have found fault within Jesus and criticized Him and His disciples in all manners of speaking. Yet, John had hope for his brother and cousin.

If we are to change the negative rhetoric of today that passes through the lines of everyday conversations in every walk of life, we must teach others to use hope as a means of communication. Negative, derogatory, and slanderous words usher in darkness and divide. Gossip, bullying, and making fun of people erodes the character of others and oneself.

As we lead others to God, through the example of Christ, we hope for them to receive a changed heart and mind, that at the receiving of God's Holy Spirit they will carry the love of God inside of them. And with God's love that looks beyond the flesh, they may speak words of hope and peace unto others. As Disciple's of Christ, we hold one another accountable so that the Body of Christ is of one mind and body to do the work of the Kingdom, to the Glory of God.

Each day, we have a choice to make as to how we will live it and who we will live it for. Each day, we must choose who we will serve. When we hear others uttering harmful words about someone or a group of people and join in, we have chosen to serve another master. When violence is our first choice to solve disputes, we have chosen another master. When we embrace hateful rhetoric, we have chosen another master. If we want peace within our lives, we must sow and speak peace to others.  If we want righteousness, we must sow righteousness.  Therein, are the seeds that bring forth hope into the lives of others.

James 3 King James Version (KJV)
1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.

5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:

8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.

10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?

12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.

15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Why so much emphasis on HOPE? Hope unites. Hope lets darkness know that someone is not alone in their fight or struggle. Hope chases away darkness because it emanates from the Light. As we have read in James 3, words are powerful and can be deadly, but, they are meant to bring forth life and abundance.


Yes, we must hope for the liar, the thief, the addict, the man or woman of ill-repute, the wayward child, the unstable minded, the disheveled and unkempt, the violent and abusive, and the terrorist. We must have hope, even for our enemy, for hope changes things.

As a child, I had many people who hoped for me and believed in me. I have come to truly appreciate them. I am extremely touched by those who continue to hope and believe in me. Not everyone has had that, or, has that now in their life for one reason or another. We would need to know their story to find out why.

There are always two sides to a story and it may appear that the one who is right depends upon from which side of the story one is viewing. Then, again, it may appear to be that each person shares equal responsibility or claim to part of the truth. Then how shall we divide the truth, or can the truth be divided? Who do we believe and who do we believe in, or, hope for?

Such is the story of Jerusalem in the eyes of man. There a many sides to the story. As the story goes, Jerusalem is claimed by several religions. So, who really owns it? Who can claim it as a capitol? However, how does the story look from God's point of view, or does it matter? Can anyone lay claim to knowing God's point of view without claiming to be an authority on God and offending other's who have differing religious beliefs?

There is something, but, not someone which proves God's authority and never fails to reveal God's mind and decisions, and that is FAITH.

The lack thereof is why man creates problems and cannot find solutions for problems. Man always wants to lay claim that he knows what is right in his mind and. Then, he forces others to choose a side and stand behind him, forsaking the Will and Way of God. This is what man has done through religions. If the chaos we see before us is the result of religion, then how can either side be right? God is not a god of CHAOS, HATE, AND MURDER!

I call out the children of Abraham who cannot see that they have returned to the wilderness! They have learned to hate themselves and have become like wild beast turning on the Master. The sons and daughters of Isaac and Ishmael defile the grave of their father and curse the womb of their mother. Have we forgotten that Isaac and Ishmael were saved because of the HOPE that God had for them to become more; to become nations, the father of many to come and serve God? There were nations that helped them and provided for them. Their lives were spared because of God's hope for mankind. Now, they have forgotten their roots and the kindnesses shown to them. They have lost faith in the Hand of God and placed their faith in the hands of men.

Who will return to the true foundation of their forefathers and seek the peace that lies within God's understanding?! The understanding of hope, love, peace, forgiveness, mercy, and patience for one's brother. How easy it is to love those who are like us and who love us back. The carnal mind man always looks for reciprocation; something in return for his carnal love and kindness. Through the hardening of hearts, men cannot see those who are unlike them as their brother. So, then, we are at war with peace which is born of God's unconditional love, which means that men are at war with God. Therefore, true peace shall not come until the hearts of men are at peace with God.

Men must seek the type of peace which withstands the tests of time; peace which surpasses all understanding because it is borne of love. Solomon sought such peace when he judged the two women who lay claim to one child. Wisdom from God told Solomon that true possession can only be found through the love which is in one's heart.

What is Jerusalem?! What does it stand for? I'm not asking what it is to man! What is Jerusalem to GOD today? ! For if it is a land to tear His Children apart, it is not what He HOPED for and is it not on God's HOPE for man on which we ALL STAND TODAY? Jerusalem still stands because of God's HOPE for mankind. Our God, hopes for us. His LOVE believes in us, but, do we believe in His love?

What is Jerusalem? Is it truly HOLY? Then why do we allow politicians to use it as if it is a whore and join in as they watch from without, pleased that they have dragged us to the bottom of the pit of degradation? Why do we allow violence to be poured out and blood to be spilled upon its ground?

What is Jerusalem? Has it taken the place of God, His precepts and principles? Is there so much hatred in our hearts for one another that hate takes precedence over life, charity, and forgiveness?

What mind follows the path of hatred, then, believes it can stand upon Holy Ground? What finger can point accusingly at another without finding sin within the accuser?

The treacherous words of a false leader; a false leader who cares nothing for the lives of others who are different, have awakened painful memories and aroused hatred within hearts. His treacherous words and proclamations have ushered in darkness, as he intended them to do.

Is there NO ONE who knows why Jerusalem STILL STANDS? Must Solomon take his sword and cut the baby asunder, destroying the LIFE within it just to appease the selfish hearts of those who care more for themselves than the meaning of life for the child itself?

If my heart is with Jerusalem, than I give her to He who created her for His purpose; not to lead His Children into darkness and death, but, to bring them out of darkness into the Light.

Give Jerusalem to He who saw to her birth and created her from the dust of the earth; not to benefit one man or one group of people. GOD IS THE GOD AND FATHER OF ALL! All that is belongs to Him! We are but trustees over that which belongs to Him.

Jerusalem is a beacon of glory to God; a pathway for all men leading to enlightenment and salvation, which is free to all who seek the face of God. Yet, we cannot allow ourselves to trade holiness and righteous for earthly treasures. We cannot trade our faith which holds up her walls for worldly ideology, idealism, laws, and doctrine. We cannot throw away the fundamental principles of holiness and godliness to idolize that which stands against idolatry!

The adversary seeks to use us to hurl ourselves at one another to destroy ourselves and mock the God we serve. In doing so, we neither honor God or the historical and holy significance of Jerusalem.

WE MUST REMEMBER THAT NOTHING CAN BE HOLY WITHOUT THE PRESENCE OF GOD! FOR HOLINESS IS GOD!

If we bring darkness into Jerusalem, God is not there. Shall we listen to and believe unholy men who stand outside of the holiness of God? Those who are abominations, who have no love for the things, people, will and way of God? Darkness has no part with Light! Evil has no place with Good! We honor Jerusalem by first honoring the WILL and WAY of God and not turning from the true path in order to fill our hearts with anger and hatred, fighting over its ownership. Let the nations who love God turn their backs upon the abomination which seeks to destroy them.

Faith will prove that Jerusalem belongs to the faithful; those who keep love, holiness, and righteousness within their hearts. The rightful mother of the child, who stood before Solomon, knew that no one could take the love and hope she had for her child away from her. She put her faith in that love and hope; not in the laws of man or hatred and vengeance toward the woman trying to take her child. Righteousness prevailed as her faith, hope, and love proved the truth that she was the birth mother of the child. Had she no hope for the child's future, had she no love for the child, she would have chose as the other woman chose, agreeing to end the child's life by dividing it in two.

Those who believe in the holiness of Jerusalem, believes in the life that has sprung from it. When those who lived within her walls were dead and gone, she still lived to protect and nurture God's people. Those who believe in the holiness of Jerusalem must not forget that it was love and hope that made Jerusalem holy.

God is love and He has never given up on us. He still has hope for us. Those who turn against loving their brother have turned against God. God commanded us to even love our enemies! What on EARTH nullifies GOD'S COMMANDMENTS? God said that if you cannot love your brother, then, you cannot say that you love Me. If you love Me, He said, then you will OBEY Me!

So, how does one choose sides in this age-old disagreement and then say they are on God's side? A parent who will uphold and defend their child even when they are disobedient, harms the child. That is not loving the child.

Believers cannot play political games to appease the appetite of the world. America's people have allowed the office of the United States Presidency to be hijacked by saboteurs, seeking to destroy democracy from within and without. Working with hostile nations and leaders on their behalf, these same saboteurs are using the office to further their financial gains. They seek not only to destroy democracy, but, to divide nations and erode peace internationally. At the expense of other people's lives they have used sensitive matters between church and state as a political and financial weapon. Extremists within the Republican (GOP) Party, wish to see the United States exert its authority and use its power to become religious police, making the USA religious terrorists, by their own definition. We cannot allow this to happen and we must believe that the righteous will prevail.

Democracy cannot be upheld through oppression and by imposing laws and restrictions that negate freedom of speech and freedom for all. We cannot make deals with the devil behind closed doors to further our party's political  agenda and not expect to get burned by the devil. We cannot defend democracy or win the fight against terrorism by fighting against religions we hate; or fight against that which God has ALLOWED. We must fight against CORRUPTION and those who would end democracy and silence the voices of the people!

If we are to root out corruption, then, we must dismantle that which is FALSE. We must dismantle lies which have blinded people to FAITH and TRUTH. We must believe that one false leader shall not prevail against God Almighty! God has allowed him to show his true self; the callousness, bigotry, hatred, and ignorance that is in his heart towards God's people. Righteousness shall prevail! Still, do we have hope for his repentance and salvation? Yes. For the fate of all lies in the Master's hands.

If we believe in God, then, we must treat others as we would want to be treated. Sacrifices and compromises must be made according to the needs of the people, as Joseph taught Israel and Egypt to save them from drought and famine. There comes a time when people must realize they must live and work together to save the lives of many.

Today, my hope is in the Israeli and Palestinian people. My hope is that God will increase their faith; that they will see one another with God's eyes; hope for one another; believe in one another; and above all, believe in the power of God, who can bring all men together in peace. My hope is that they will choose God as their mediator, seeing only one way to solve their issues, and that is God's way. My hope is that their leaders will not succumb to outside pressures, bitter and empty words, and manipulation. My hope is that they do what is right for the needs of the people and not the needs of politicians, ambitious, maniacal leaders from other countries, and the rich.

Neither a deed to the land nor proclaiming it as a capital will prove ownership of Jerusalem. No religion can prove ownership of Jerusalem; for God did not give Jerusalem unto religion. He gave it to the faithful who loved and obeyed Him, chastising, casting out, and delivering the disobedient to their enemies. Jerusalem will always belong to those who believe in and love the One and only True God of Heaven and Earth.

How will we be able to identify these owners? We will know them by the love they have; not just for one another, but, for ALL MEN AND WOMEN! Their faith in God will prove them true. Their hope for one another will bring them peace. God will shut out and cut-off those who only seek darkness, strife, and chaos. Then, He shall reign in all His Glory and Majesty!

Until, then, is it possible for the Palestinians and Israelis to forget about all of their heartache and strife and have hope for one another? Can they see past their own flesh to believe in one another? Can they speak empowering and encouraging words of love and kindness over one another? It begins with us. WE must have hope and believe in them.

Here are some questions included in the SELF REFLECTION section that I'd like you to think about and answer to the best of your ability.

1. If men don't truly believe in God; obey Him; yield to His Will and Way; or place all of their faith in Him, can men be on one accord and have peace? 
2. Who has God given us to bring us hope and peace within until the Day of Judgement?
3. If true peace is out of our reach for now, then, we must be realistic and realize that what is in the world is for the world. What are some of the ways temporary peace is achieved in regions of the world today? Are power, money, bartering power, status, military force, weapons, and natural resources also temporary? Can we expect peace to change, if and when these things also change?
4. Knowing that what is in the world is for the world, should we lose hope for ourselves or anyone? Why or why not?
5. Do you claim to be OF the world or OF the Kingdom? If you are of the Kingdom, should you be discouraged by what the world does? Should it cause us to lose hope for others and for peace to come to them?
6. If Christ is within us, do we not bring hope and peace to others? 
7. Are we bringing more hope and peace to the world by making Disciples?

I have used social issues, along with regional and international disputes that are relative to us today to show us the capacity of hope and love we must have in our hearts for all men in every level of society, in all nations, to people of all races, ethnicity, faith, and religion. Change begins with you and me in the way that we live in hope for one another; in the way we speak empowering and encouraging words over one another; and the way we act toward one another and on each other's behalf. "No man is an island, no man stands alone."

No Man Is An Island ©

No man is an island,
No man stands alone,
Each man's joy is joy to me,
Each man's grief is my own.

We need one another,
So I will defend,
Each man as my brother,
Each man as my friend.

I saw the people gather,
I heard the music start,
The song that they were singing,
Is ringing in my heart.

No man is an island,
Way out in the blue,
We all look to the one above,
For our strength to renew.

When I help my brother,
Then I know that I,
Plant the seed of friendship,
That will never die.

In all hope for you, your servant and soldier, united with the One

mishael

No Man Is An Island ©

Songwriters: PETER SCHICKELE

No Man Is An Island lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group


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SELF REFLECTION: A Look in the Mirror

Once again, when we look at Jesus' parables, He is challenging us to examine where our heart lies. Closely examining your heart, answer the questions below.

DISCUSS your answers with a mature Believer who can guide you in your spiritual relationship with Jesus and our Father, and/or have group discussions to learn from those who have different experiences and perspectives.

QUESTIONS: Write down your questions and discuss them with a mature Believer or submit them to this blog.


 Ask yourself these questions and answer them as pertaining to you alone.

1. Are you in the habit of criticizing others or gossiping?
2. When you around other people do you tend to join in to make fun of someone. scorn, or criticize someone?
3. Do you criticize, scorn, show contempt or hatred toward people from other races, religions, nations, ethnicity, political parties, et al?
4. Is criticism, hatred, or gossip your first reaction towards some people?
5. Do you consider yourself to be a Believer in God or a Follower of Christ if you cannot love and hope for all people?
6. A you totally aware of what you believe in when you say that you Believe in God?
7. Do you feel that you are better or more worthy than some people?
8. Have you ever tried approaching someone with hope for them instead of contempt or indifference?
9. If you say you love God and want to obey Him, shouldn't you have love for everyone in your heart, even your enemy? Do you?
10. If you say you have love for everyone, does that also include having hope for them to have abundant and eternal life?
11. Can you disagree with someone and still have love and hope for them?
12. Do you believe that God is still in control?
13. If God wants us to love one another, then, He wants us to be at peace with one another. Can we be at peace with one another if there are disputes over freedom, equality, health and welfare, law and order, land and ownership? How? What must we have for one another?
14. Do you choose sides in disputes without having any consideration for the well-being and desires of the other party? What does that show?
15. Do you feel you are being disloyal if you don't choose a side in a dispute or if you show compassion for those on the other side?
16. Do you feel that society and politics today encourages people to take sides and show disdain, contempt, or hatred for the opposing parts?
17. Is society and politics encouraging, provoking, and even sometimes coercing people to choose a side and to become hostile towards opponents?
18. In doing so, is society and politics leading people into darkness to serve many masters, lack control and discipline, and become filled with hatred for others?
19. When we feel so strongly about an issue that it leads us to hate others, have we forgotten about loving God? Have we lost faith in God? Has the adversary succeeded in removing our hope for ourselves and others? Has the adversary succeeded in removing our faith in God and redirecting it to man?
20. How can we tell that a leader is false?
21. Should a leader care about the welfare of all of their people?
22. If we have been Born Again, and abide in God's Holy Spirit, He will tell us when we have strayed from the path following Jesus and are no longer in God's Will and Way. If you have lost hope for others, or are filled with hate, contempt, or condemnation, are you abiding in the Spirit, walking by faith and not by sight? Are you fighting for the will of God or your own will and desires?
23. If men don't truly believe in God; obey Him; yield to His Will and Way; or place all of their faith in Him, can men be on one accord and have peace? 
24. Who has God given us to bring us hope and peace within until the Day of Judgement?
25. If true peace is out of our reach for now, then, we must be realistic and realize that what is in the world is for the world. What are some of the ways temporary peace is achieved in regions of the world today? Are power, money, bartering power, status, military force, weapons, and natural resources also temporary? Can we expect peace to change, if and when these things also change?
26. Knowing that what is in the world is for the world, should we lose hope for ourselves or anyone? Why or why not?
27. Do you claim to be OF the world or OF the Kingdom? If you are of the Kingdom, should you be discouraged by what the world does? Should it cause us to lose hope for others and for peace to come to them?
28. If Christ is within us, do we not bring hope and peace to others? 
29. Are we bringing more hope and peace to the world by making Disciples?

REFERENCED SCRIPTURE

Romans 8 King James Version (KJV)

1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.

13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,

21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.

34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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John 3 King James Version (KJV)

1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?

5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?

10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?

11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.

12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?

13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.

23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.

24 For John was not yet cast into prison.

25 Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.

26 And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.

27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.

28 Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.

29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.

30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.

32 And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.

33 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.

34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.

35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.

36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.