Seeking the meaning of your life needs be a lifetime pursuit. ). In the early evening, after arriving in the home, he has supper (John 12:1 - 2). I'm David Kim and the Bible has been a passionate pursuit of mine for many years. Jesus is the Word of God (John 1:1), the Beginning and the End, the Almighty God (Revelation 1:8). Without God there is no life, and His life is that eternal life of Christ that is breathed into the one that is dead in trespasses and sins, the moment we trust Him as Saviour. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. Then, He died on a cross to pay the penalty of our sins (Rom. That calling is to know God and to become more like Christ as you obey Him out of love. The Bible defines Jesus Himself as the author and giver of life, but also as the definition of life itself. But they cannot be the definition of life and bring the ultimate meaning to life. Third, the Word as his nature is deity.6 The Word is not only distinct from God (the Word was with God), but the Word is God (theos).7 An equally decisive statement about the deity of Jesus is made in John 1:18: No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known. Once again John not only speaks of Jesus as pre-existing and being relationally with God (the Only God, who is at the Fathers side), but clearly states that he is God (the only God, monogens theos8). But this is not the primary point John is making here, as the Old Testament often speaks of Gods Word as his self-expression in creation, revelation, and salvation (Jeremiah 1:4; Isaiah 55:11; Psalm 107:20).10 By stating that all things were made through him [logos], John clearly is referring to the Jewish understanding of Gods Word as the means by which creation came into being: By the word [logos, LXX] of the Lord the heavens were made (Psalm 33:6). I have had an on again and off again relationship with God over this time. Just because someone has had (or done) more good things in life does not necessarily mean their life is more meaningful than those who do not. Jesus is the air that we breathe and its Jesus who gives us our daily dose of energy. Jesus is the Son of Man who came to serve and offer his life for the salvation of mankind (Mark 10:45). Its in those hardest moments that we realize that we need God to help us overcome, pull us out of the pit and give us strength to get up. This is echoed in John 20:22 when Jesus breathed new life (symbolizing the Spirit) into the disciples. This is what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. That path/assignment can change, but your identity in Christ is your foundation. Nothing here on earth will last forever. Where can we find true wisdom? We live in a culture that sells us happiness and advertises good life to those who can afford it. We can be free to pursue the things that God has uniquely designed us for in life. While there he was arrested, tried, and executed. Your email address will not be published. Our worldview only affects our behavior. To believe in the Word of God. For the wicked, unbelievers will bring glory to God through judgment by being objects of his wrath for eternity. Its important to surround yourself with friends who are Christians and can support you in your walk. Seeking the Gospel in Malachi, the Last Book of the Old Testament. How Is Harry Potter a Literary Christ Figure? The verb became (egeneto) does not mean there was a change in the deity of the Word; rather, he took on a human nature (cf. Perhaps this invitation from God in Jeremiah 33:3 will be for you? Jesus says that the reason He came was to give us life abundantly, to restore Gods design for our lives (John 10:10). Terms of Service apply. Ancient Jews usually had only one name, and, when greater specificity was needed, it was customary to add the fathers name or the place of origin. Short Answer What is the meaning of life? They are absolutely meaningful. Marriage is a partnership and God has designed us to work things out accordingly to His word. We can live beyond just having a religion and have a personal relationship with the uncreated God. Consider what the Bible says for yourself and see if its true or not. According to "Hope for the Heart" you should notice first that, in Ephesians 2:10 the apostle Paul says, . We sometimes face complex situations with no clear right choice. However, the light of the Word is not overcome by the darkness (John 1:5, 12:35). Jesus and his followers head to Jerusalem for the annual Passover festival. How about people who, unfortunately, could not do likewise? But Jesus also gives encouragement to help us counteract that spiritually lethal threat. 1 Corinthians 8:6). This video illustrates what the Bible says about life right now in the world. What can we do when we feel drained, numb or burned-out? Were launching a new column to explore some common Christian struggles in greater depth. What Is the True Meaning of Life? Jesus, who is the way, the truth and the life, must be the center, the criteria and the model for our daily lives. Answering Atheists: Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead? In Johns Gospel, darkness represents a world that is spiritually separated from God and that is ruled13 over by Satan, (John 12:31; cf. Is the World Wide Web playing a part in rewiring our brains? Understanding the answer to these questions in the Bible gives a sense of purpose and fulfillment in our lives. The divinity of Jesus is part of the doctrine of the Trinity, which states that within the one Being who is God, there exists eternally three co-equal and co-eternal persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. That was his assignment. And no matter what path you go down in your career, follow Christ, make disciples, and do Gods will. When we know God as our Father, we can learn to trust and receive love. What is success, and how do we reach it? Why are some of the most prosperous people some of the least satisfied? Mistakes are bound to happen and its pretty much a guarantee that there will be disagreements. Christmas is about the spirit of Book of James: Summary, Meaning & Application. God wants a relationship with us and obedience. Life is a story filled with forgiveness, hate, love, disappointment, discouragement, and questions. To share the love of God. WOW WOW WOWI needed this so much I thank GOD for the wisdom he gave u David and I pray in JESUS MIGHTY NAME that HE may fill u with more and more wisdom. Thank you. In this inaugural edition, well take a closer look at why everyday moments matter. Birth of Jesus to His Death. The very first verse of the Gospel of John informs us, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1). Thank you for signing up to receive email newsletters from Answers in Genesis. Many feel frustrated they didnt do better or judge others who fall short. He identified himself as the way [to the heavenly Father], the truth, and the life; and clearly indicated that knowing him is equal to knowing God Himself (John 14:6). We live in a world beset by enormous and seemingly insoluble problems. Yet, people still find meaning in life and the will to survive. Humility isnt valued very highly today. This shortest of all New Testament gospels is likely the first to have been written, yet it often tells of Jesus' ministry in more detail than either Matthew or Luke (for example, the miracle stories at Mk 5:1-20 or Mk 9:14-29).It recounts what Jesus did in a vivid style, where one incident follows directly upon another. Paul wrote some inspiring and beautiful sentiments, such as, In everything give thanks. But is that literally realistic? Jesus (c. 4 BC - AD 30 or 33), also referred to as Jesus Christ or Jesus of Nazareth (among other names and titles), was a first-century Jewish preacher and religious leader; he is the central figure of Christianity, the world's largest religion.Most Christians believe he is the incarnation of God the Son and the awaited Messiah (the Christ) prophesied in the Hebrew Bible. We overcommit and put hours upon hours into pointless things. More fortune does not simply represent more meaning. What does the Bible reveal about the way of peace, and how can we live that way? In the Beginning . Im so grateful to hear that this has encouraged you and your wife. THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN The Gospel according to John is quite different in character from the three synoptic gospels. Nothing can happen without God ordaining it. If you look at the Instruction Manual to see if this game of life is really fair, youll find amazing hope for the future. What can we do to reorient our lives to deal with busyness? They can disorient, discourage and debilitate us. I believe the second most important thing in life is my relationship with others. The very first verse of the Bible tells us of the creation of the world: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). What should Christians do when confronted with spiritual, moral or ethical dilemmas? This page last updated: September 12, 2022, Something Needs to Change: A Call to Make Your Life Count in a World of Urgent Need by David Platt. We are a reflection of Gods glory, created in His image, and being converted by the Spirit into His likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18). Related Papers. How can we handle compassion fatigue? Why is it so hard to find? The meaning of life, according to the Christian faith, is ultimately found in Jesus Christ. As Christians we desire to do life well here on earth and sometimes we overdo it by putting our wants first. Eternal life traditionally refers to continued life after death, as outlined in Christian eschatology.The Apostles' Creed testifies: "I believe. Jesus said, I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness (John 12:39). Those are some popular answers we might have heard, and although some views are biblically relevant, could life have a deeper meaning? Since the prologue of John (1:118)9 clearly speaks of the deity of Jesus, it is not surprising that this finds an equally emphatic declaration throughout the gospel narrative (John 5:18, 8:58, 10:2835) and at its end and climax when Thomas professed his faith in the resurrected Jesus: My Lord and my God! (John 20:28). The word of God reminds us what life is! Not only do we need to repent, we need to accept Gods forgiveness and change our ways. Difficult times come in many shapes and sizes. The kingdom of God is about living in truth, peace, and joy through the work of His Spirit in our hearts (Romans 14:17). Im about to do something brand-new. In the Holy Scriptures, God indicates that His people can become holy as well. We are the beloved children of God, created by our heavenly Father to reflect His glory, walk in His love, and do His will in our lives. Like!! Parents are a childs best teacher, counselor, and coach when they have Biblical strategies. The article has truly peaked my interest. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus." Life According to Jesus in 321 28,673 views Apr 29, 2016 Have you ever wondered what Jesus makes of the big issues: God; the World; and You? But what is the real purpose and meaning to the life we have? Life is growth, change, and experience. This is seen in Genesis 1 when God creates, not by means of natural processes, but by supernaturally speaking things into existence in the space of six days (Genesis 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 24, 26; cf. As a start, we encourage you to read The Way of Peace now. Please follow the instructions we emailed you in order to finish subscribing. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'pursuitbible_com-narrow-sky-2','ezslot_22',128,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pursuitbible_com-narrow-sky-2-0'); Many people live ensnared by the things in this world and its no wonder that anxiety, fear, and depression are the result. But in this scenario, "He" is the center of a marketing campaign that has spread far across the U.S., spanning between billboards, banner ads online, and a forthcoming Super Bowl commercial. Id love to send you a quick survey to see if you might have a story I can use in my book. 1, Pace's recommended prayer strategy includes account, which means to count . Everyone in history and in all places. This one verse tells us three very important things about the Word (logos), who is identified as Jesus (John 1:17). They need to want to do things right before they can become independent. Paul sometimes simply used Christ as Jesus name (e.g., Romans 5:6). All is vanity. This section is a work in progress, so we encourage you to come back often as we add new articles about Christian living. This is a site where I get to share with you some of the things that Ive been learning. It Is So Painful to Care: How Do I Conquer Apathy? For believers in Christ, eternal life certainly includes living with God after our physical death ( John 11:25-26 ). He is the Son of God. Sometimes we struggle to understand the events of our lives. John 13:31-32: " Therefore when he had gone out, Jesus said, 'Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him; if . The loss of spiritual life that was brought about by the first man Adam plunged mankind into spiritual darkness, and now they love the darkness rather than the light (John 3:19; cf. As complex as these matters may seem, Christians can find help in God's Word. In this article, I describe how you can be sure you get into heaven and not leave it to chance. What does the Bible say about revenge? Romans 3:17), but that God reveals throughout the Bible. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. They converted others to belief in him, which eventually led to a new religion, Christianity. When our motive is selfish-- using God to make us happy--we come up empty. 2020 9 Apr. As we have been fulfilled with Gods love, we must also share it with others, through bearing one anothers burdens (Galatians 6:2) and discipleship (Matthew 28:18-20). Living by God's word means to recognize that God is our ultimate Provider. the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting." In this view, eternal life commences after the second coming of Jesus and the resurrection of the dead, although in the New Testament's Johannine literature there are references to eternal life . And lastly, if you want to start studying the Bible for yourself, Id recommend these 7 Guidelines: How to Start Studying the Bible for Yourself. I would also suggest a minor adjustment to the video (which I dont think you created, but its used to make your point). All of this is such a waste of time, because at the end of our life, none of this will matter. John applies the title of the Word to the person of Jesus who is the creator of all things (cf. Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. How should we represent Gods Kingdom? As you might imagine, people ask the big-picture type of questions, especially when theyre going through really tough times or when there are big changes in life. His relationship with God was renewed (Job 42:5), and the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before (Job 42:10). But once we trust in Christ, through his work on the cross, God sets us free from the slavery to sin, saves us from eternal death, and we are given a new identity to declare the wonderful things He has done (1 Peter 1:18-19, 2:9). Its when a husband and wife become one. Later, a star guided men from the East to the young child. So, for eons of time he existed alone, enjoying being alive, so much so, that at some point he decided to share life with other living beings whom he would create in his own image. Life is such a loaded word. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. Long Answer What is the meaning of life? Bible Study The Book of Ephesians. I think it would be more accurate and helpful to say Jesus (third circle) is the bridge between beauty (first circle) and brokenness (second circle). Naturally, we were born with self-centeredness, however by His love, we are supernaturally transformed into a new person with a Spirit-driven ability to love God and others (Luke 10:27). God is not only the author of life, He is our Father. Knowing that Jesus is the perfect representation of God, the best thing we can do in life is to believe in him. Is the cost of doing good worth the reward? When we look at the world around us, we see that we live in a world of brokenness. Are we developing our personality and character to resemble Gods? He will change your heart and open your eyes to truth. It is deliberate, purposeful, unselfish love rather than emotional, impulsive or self-serving love. We care deeply, until we cant care anymore. A young child will feel empty and disconnected if she does not know the warmth and love of a father. This is important for every human being because God created us to have a sense of worth. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. The scientific study of resilience shows how to increase our chances of recovering from challenges. Without Christ there is no access to God and . Genuine smiling and laughter occur when something cheers you up or tickles your funny bone. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;" John 11:25. In light of this, life cannot be without meaning and it must revolve around the Maker of all things (John 1:3). Jesus says, "I am " the light of the world, the lamb of God, the way and the truth and the life, the bread of life, and the good shepherd. Fear is one of the strongest motivators. Meaning in life comes from a deeper place than just the physical world and the things that we are usually so busy living to get more of. The Bible tells us to live with eternal values: faith, hope, and love (1 Corinthians 13:13), which can only be found in Christ. What do you need to be happy? How Can Christians Stay United in a Divided World? Jesuss incarnation inaugurated a new creation whereby the light of the Word shatters the darkness of sin and gives new life to those who trust in him. According to the Bible, the meaning of life is found in believing in Jesus (John 20:31). Scripture To Consider: "Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. 3. Jesus not only brings life into a fallen world, but also light. In Genesis 1, Gods first recorded spoken, creative act was to speak forth light into existence, which separated the physical light from the darkness (Genesis 1:35). Jesus encourages us to enter the narrow path that leads to life. In fact, the Scriptures tell us that man was the very pinnacle of God's creation. The Meaning of Life Is to Know God Through Jesus Christ Life Without the Knowledge of God Leads to Emptiness Meaning in Life Comes from Knowing God as Our Father An Invitation The Meaning of Life Is to Know God as the Author of Life The Bible says that God created the world ( Gen. 1:1 ). Culture defines life as a time and place to get the best of everything. But what does the One who designed and created us say? This is the reason God created Adam, the first man and placed him in a garden to work it and take care of it (Gen. 2:15). How can we keep Gods instruction to fear not? Father!. They anchor your life. According to Luke, after Jesus cast out seven demons from her, Mary became part of a group of women who traveled with him and his 12 disciples/apostles, "proclaiming the good news of the. These principles are related to biblical perseverance. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. John 1:1 not only tells us who the Word was before creation, but John 1:3 tell us what he did in creation: All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. Greek Stoic philosophers used the term logos to refer to the rational principle by which everything exists. It has me questioning everything I am doing. 5. Our worldview is based on faith alone, so neither our thoughts nor actions play a role. Answer When the Bible speaks of eternal life, it refers to a gift of God that comes only "through Jesus Christ our Lord" ( Romans 6:23 ). The first of Gods blessing to humanity is fruitfulness, to multiply and fill the earth and govern it (Genesis 1:26-28, Psalm 8). The coronavirus crisis has transformed our world. He wants us to find the true meaning of life in Him first, in seeking His Kingdom (Luke 12:31). God is God and He works all things, including your life, according to his purposes. 19:18 (Love your neighbor as yourself). 8:12, 12:35). Gods Word and Jesus Christs example show us what it takes to remain sharp. Here, the sinful desires of humanity to be like God (Genesis 3:5) are replaced with the divine invitation to imitate His Son, Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:48). All rights reserved. Jesus, the Son of God, was about to demonstrate the power of the resurrection. In the Bible, what is the meaning of life? Our Savior came to earth to testify to God's . What does God say about trends in thinking in the end time? Get the latest blog posts from Life, Hope & Truth straight to your inbox. All rights reserved. Im currently writing a devotional book for cops. History and the Bible give us examples of zeal and passion. Everything God created was meant to show what God is like. Wisdom. The vastness of the universe, the wonders of nature, the complexity of living organisms all testify there must be a supremely intelligent Designer, who set everything precisely in order. God does things that only God can do, and I am grateful for His goodness and faithfulness. What does it mean to accept Jesus as your personal Savior. 1. Suppose life is about all the above-mentioned, would someone then be truly fulfilled after achieving all those good things (Matthew 16:26)? The Bible gives vital details about the challenges and benefits of this Highway of Holiness. So, what is life all about? He has given us commandments to live by and strategies through the life of Jesus. We will be going to our real home to be with Jesus and all our loved ones. Too often, doing a good deed can come with a heavy price. Theres much to fear in todays world. His disciples became convinced that he rose from the dead and appeared to them.