Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. First, the Word has eternally existed. David, Im a former LEO and now a police chaplain and award-winning author. Our worldview only affects our behavior. That's not hard is it? 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. Thank you so much, very much appreciated! Life on earth is a journey of our transformation to become more like Jesus, who has delivered us from evil, sin, and death, until the glorious day when we spend eternity with him. Two wrongs never make a right. What does God say about trends in thinking in the end time? Jesus Christ: Seek and save the lost. We are to put God first in our marriage. Those who trust in Jesus no longer come under Gods judgment but pass from death to life (John 3:36; 5:24; cf. Job: Trust in God, no matter what. It has me questioning everything I am doing. The next thing John tells us is this: In him was life and the life was the light of men. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. So yes, I think its good to focus on your relationship with God, to live out your calling as a child of God, be rooted in a healthy church, etc.. With your assignment/career/path, ask God to guide you, trust that He does, talk to people you trust and then take a step of faith. Get the latest blog posts from Life, Hope & Truth straight to your inbox. He is not one of the ways to get to Heaven, He is the only way to get to Heaven. There it is! He wants us to find the true meaning of life in Him first, in seeking His Kingdom (Luke 12:31). We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. I pray that youll experience the fullness of all that God has for you. If it doesnt work out, repeat. 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. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'pursuitbible_com-leader-4','ezslot_17',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pursuitbible_com-leader-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'pursuitbible_com-leader-4','ezslot_18',113,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pursuitbible_com-leader-4-0_1');.leader-4-multi-113{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. The Bible provides an answer and a reason that may surprise you! Be alert, be present. Jesus taught us to walk the straight and narrow path and He showed us that we can all overcome temptation just as He did when Satan tempted Him on the mountaintop (Matthew 4:1-11). Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. The gift of eternal life comes to those who believe in Jesus Christ, who is Himself "the resurrection and the life" ( John 11:25 ). That was his assignment. Im making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands. Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. (John 6:35 ESV). What is life all about? Jesus said He came so His followers may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly (John 10:10 One leads us to an everlasting life of peace, and the other leads us into darkness to be consumed by evil. According to the Bible, in John 17:3, the meaning of life is to know Jesus Christ. Life is being a temple for the Holy Spirit to live. "Well then, eternal life must be living forever in heaven instead of hell." That's not it either. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Answering Atheists: Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead? Consider what the Bible says for yourself and see if its true or not. Bigotry mars the pages of history, and its still alive and well today. The alarm startles you awake. Jesus died on the cross, so that our sins can be forgiven and that we would become the children of God. How can we keep moving forward on our Christian journey? It means affection, benevolence, good-will, high esteem and concern for the welfare of the one loved. Yet how do you measure spiritual growth? Abba is the Aramaic word for father. Jesus says in Luke 17:33 (ESV) Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it. The only way to find life is to find it in God and in pursuit of Him in every season of life. I pray that God will continue to fill you with life to the full in Christ. How are Christians to respond to offenses? Here are biblical ways to stay positive in a negative world. Without Christ there is no access to God and . In Johns Gospel, darkness represents a world that is spiritually separated from God and that is ruled13 over by Satan, (John 12:31; cf. I'm David Kim and the Bible has been a passionate pursuit of mine for many years. But God doesnt want us to be trapped by feeling vulnerable. Most of the time, people are busy living their lives rather than thinking about the meaning of it. Jesus referred to himself as the temple. Hosting such a significant moment comes with a costand the goodwill and humility of our community has been inspiring. Jesus, who is the way, the truth and the life, must be the center, the criteria and the model for our daily lives. Having a close relationship with God enables them to face the . What does the Bible say about revenge? We let financial obligations get the best of us when our paychecks are less then what we want, or we let overspending empty our pockets. Jesus's life was a mixture of times of joy, celebration, miracles and teaching, as well as hardship, rejection and suffering. In a world of turmoil, with crisis after crisis, stress and anxiety thrive. Lazarus' sister Mary, after supper, anoints Jesus' feet with very expensive . 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. Jesus said to him,I amthe way, andthe truth, andthe life. It help add the icing to bible study about life. He wants us to come to Him with our needs, concerns, and battles. We need boundaries, tough love, and rules to guard our hearts from hurtful people. According to the Bible, the meaning of life is found in believing in Jesus (John 20:31). That doesnt mean that Christian living is easy. In the Holy Scriptures, God indicates that His people can become holy as well. Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. How can we cultivate the benefits and avoid the pitfalls? We condemn ourselves as failures when we cant live up to our lofty expectations. Thus, in his lifetime Jesus was called Jesus son of Joseph (Luke 4:22; John 1:45, 6:42), Jesus of Nazareth (Acts 10:38), or Jesus the Nazarene (Mark 1:24; Luke 24:19). It can get confusing, tangled up in foolish arguments and disappointments. And I wish you the best on your blog! [Link opens in a new window]. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. 1 John 1:6; 2:11). Romans 8:1). Im a husband, a father, pastor of a church in Northern California, and a life-long student of the Scriptures. That path/assignment can change, but your identity in Christ is your foundation. So we exist because he wants us to enjoy life as he does. Satan is a defeated foe who is in his last act of rebellion. How do we become, and remain, spiritually sharp Christians? 2 Corinthians 4:56). I have been struggling to find my purpose in life for the last five years. God has designed life so that when we seek to make Him look good (= "glorify Him") by obeying His commands, we inherit a blessing (3:9). Your email address will not be published. Knowing that Jesus is the perfect representation of God, the best thing we can do in life is to believe in him. Of course not. Influence. Perhaps this invitation from God in Jeremiah 33:3 will be for you? We live in a culture that sells us happiness and advertises good life to those who can afford it. The . Thank you! Paul: Know Jesus Christ. Ive been a believer all my life, but you expressed it in a way that opened several fresh and new insights for me, during a season of my life when I needed this message. They anchor your life. Gospel According to Matthew, first of the four New Testament Gospels (narratives recounting the life and death of Jesus Christ) and, with The Gospels According to Mark and Luke, one of the three so-called Synoptic Gospels (i.e., those presenting a common view). Happiness. What should Christians do when confronted with spiritual, moral or ethical dilemmas? It was not like God was lonely and needed someone with whom He could talk and share His feelings about things. 7. The Bible defines Jesus Himself as the author and giver of life, but also as the definition of life itself. Living by God's word means to recognize that God is our ultimate Provider. Everything starts from dust and returns to dust (Eccl. 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? Its vital that we forgive ourselves as well. It seems to me after reading and watching many articles and videos on this topic that I need to stop worrying about my purpose and focus on my relationship on God wholeheartedly. All rights reserved. Naturally, this means it is God's will that we avoid any kind of sexual immorality. What about you? Just as we need God, so we need each other. Life is all about knowing God, experiencing His beauty and divine purpose, His miracles, and Creation. Its in Gods love that fear and anger will be quenched. Yet, despite all the power and pleasures he had, he felt an emptiness, and everything seemed meaningless. Many are bewildered by the inability of human governments and institutions to resolve these issues. May God richly bless you for you have been an inspiration to me and my wife. When we feel discouraged, we can ask God to help us turn things around. Living a life in Christ is nothing less than reliving the life of Christ in our own person. . Does the Bible tell us, Dont waste your life? The Bible shows that God has emotions and created our capacity for emotions. No one comes to the Father except through me. We will receive the disciplines that only a loving Father can give. What does it mean to accept Jesus as your personal Savior. John 3:19, 8:12; 12:35, 46). We turn from our old ways of living and we pick up the Bible, read it, and apply it to our daily life. Related Papers. Then, He died on a cross to pay the penalty of our sins (Rom. Brown . . How can we keep Gods instruction to fear not? To believe in the Word of God. Time management is a booming businesseveryone wants to get more done and control time wasters. Life for Paul means Christ he fully committed his life by faith in Jesus, to bear fruit for the kingdom of God (Galatians 2:20, Philippians 1:21-22). Thank the Holy spirit for you. This is important for every human being because God created us to have a sense of worth. How do we live the life Jesuswants? If not, you can tap into life-changing gems of knowledge that lead to genuine joy and contentment. But God will fulfill His promise to give everyone a chance for an abundant life! Fear and worry can plague us when we see our weaknesses. The Book of James is an important book in the Bible. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. (Gen. 1:1). Both genealogies link Joseph (and thus Mary who was his cousin) to King David. I pray that God will bless you with ever-increasing faith and the knowledge of God and the abundant life of Jesus Christ in you and that it may overflow to others around you. But what does the One who designed and created us say? God has equipped us for this evil world. Reflect on Scripture that is important to you. Its time to get ready to face another day on the job. Covered in the Dust of Your Rabbi: An Urban Legend? Why cant we base the meaning of life on relationships, career, or personal happiness? Birth of Jesus to His Death. The Bible is crystal clear what His will is for our lives. Wisdom. This is a direct parallel to the Old Testament record of when God dwelt in the tabernacle that Moses told the Israelites to construct (Exodus 25:89, 33:7). Corrections? John 20:2211), but because of Adams disobedience, his descendants are born in sin, which issues a loss of spiritual life and causes mankind to walk in darkness (John 8:12; cf. A young child will feel empty and disconnected if she does not know the warmth and love of a father. ). Rome had legions in both countries but not in Palestine. Later, a star guided men from the East to the young child. The world is awash in religious information but floundering when it comes to developing spiritual discernment. God raised Him from the dead. Life is full of emotion, miracles and facts. Are you eager? Please follow the instructions we emailed you in order to finish subscribing. Im so grateful to hear that this has encouraged you and your wife. Notice that work is a blessing from God, not a curse. Jesus is God himself who lived on earth in a human body (Colossians 2:9-10), and he is the only mediator between God and men (1 Timothy 2:5). Heres how applying purpose, preparation and perseverance can help us achieve the most important things in life. We will be able to receive correction and learn from others in our lives. Those are some popular answers we might have heard, and although some views are biblically relevant, could life have a deeper meaning? was it fair to conclude their lives were simply meaningless? His disciples became convinced that he rose from the dead and appeared to them. The word of God reminds us what life is! Heres how to overcome fear and live with confidence according to the Bible. There are two broad areas where we must seek to please God: Our walk (our behavior, including our attitude); and, our talk. We see life as an opportunity to love others and to serve God faithfully. 3. Women are to submit to their husbands (Ephesians 5:22-33). So what did Christ mean when He said, My yoke is easy and My burden is light? Although we cant see God with our eyes, when we see Jesus actions and words in the Bible, we can know God as He reveals Himself to us. What Is the True Meaning of Life? As a matter of fact life usually gets harder when one becomes a Christian. Is the World Wide Web playing a part in rewiring our brains? And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus." Some life choices are made after careful thought. Its not your identity, but what you do. 1. We have something worth living for, and if needed, worth dying for. And maybe the reason He has not revealed them to me currently is that I have not placed Him at the center of my life and therefore am not ready to hear His plans for me. What does the Bible say about superstitions? We get concerned when things dont work out the way we plan. God, as the author of life, brings meaning to life. Yes, Christ is worthy of our passionate pursuit all the days of our lives. Thanks for letting us know the meaning of life. We have freedom of choice and we either do the right thing with a grateful heart or selfishly we react and sin. Life is like a running race as he aimed for the prize: an imperishable crown from the Lord on the judgment day (1 Corinthians 9:24-25, 2 Timothy 4:7-8). How can we survive the constant bombardment of anxiety, fear and stress? Love. King Solomon: Fear God and keep His commandments. What do you stand to lose if youre not paying attention? All rights reserved. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to . The author believes before we examine the meaning of life, we need to first embrace the miracle of life. Is there even a reward? Both still exist for believers. Life is experiencing genuine thankfulness, healing, spiritual gifts and anointing from the Holy Spirit. It can push us into wrong actions or freeze us into inaction. Thank you for signing up to receive email newsletters from Answers in Genesis. In fact, John uses a very particular term here: skenoo dwelt, which means he pitched his tent or tabernacled among us. Notice that John does not say that the Word stopped being God. link to Jesus Born in a Bethlehem Manger: Significance & Meaning, link to Book of James: Summary, Meaning & Application, The Meaning of Life Is to Know God as the Author of Life, 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, 7 Guidelines: How to Start Studying the Bible for Yourself, Is based on things that can change at anytime, Is based on other peoples choices and favorable circumstances, Is based on things that are out of our control, Can leave us empty even when we have plenty, Is based on the unchanging character and goodness of God, Is based on the Author of Life reaching out to us, Is based on our choice to seek God at anytime, Will always lead to fulfillment whether we have plenty or not, We will have a sense of identity as Gods children. Jesus came so that we can have life because He is the embodiment of life. Jesus was born as a baby, grew up and lived a perfect, sinless life. Solomon, the son of David and King of Israel, is described as the wealthiest and wisest man of his time (1 Kings 3:12-13). Jesus told Martha, "'Your brother will rise again.' Martha said to Him, 'I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day'" (John 11:23-24). Our world and our lives can seem perpetually on the brink of disaster. God is not only the author of life, He is our Father. The Bible reveals the causes of spiritual failure and spiritual success. Gods way of living has great benefits for this life and offers pleasures forevermore in the next (1 Timothy 4:8 Because happiness is a reaction to your circumstances, like smiling and laughter. 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. Jesus claims that He is the way, and the truth, and the life. Pingback: Why am I? Religious leaders question his authority. How can you sort through the confusion? How does God want us to react? 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. In doing so they develop a different perspective, realising that their time on Earth is a small part of their eternal existence. These things can actually bring the most pain in our lives as well. They are probably the verses you turn to when you are confused, lost, or losing hope. Or is life pure energy? Most importantly, several verses later, John writes that the Word who was with God in the beginning became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). God made a world without brokenness without war, sickness, or death. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it (John 1:45). This Christian decision-making process can help us make wise decisions. How can we avoid burnout? 6. To display the glory of God. The Olivet Prophecy contains a dire warning of a spreading coldness of heart. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the New King James Version ( 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.). After all his painful experience, Jobs eyes were opened to know God more personally. Others are dark and ominous. Second, the Word has an eternal relationship with God (the Father, John 1:18). God will carry us through just as He parted the Red Sea (Exodus 14) for the Israelites. What can we do when we feel drained, numb or burned-out? Jesus taught his disciples about how knowing the truth - and being obedient to it - leads to a satisfying life: John 8:31-32 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, "You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. Jesus came to actually fix the ship. 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 . Fear is one of the strongest motivators. Science has shown evidence for the existence of the Creator, the Son of Man who came to serve and offer his life, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Although born in Bethlehem, according to Matthew and Luke, Jesus was a Galilean from Nazareth, a village near Sepphoris, one of the two major cities of Galilee (Tiberias was the other). I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. God loves us and calls us to be in relationship with Him. Does the Bible Mention What to Give Up for Lent? Derek Lawson. From time to time we all struggle with jealously. When we think of eternal life in earthly terms, we think only of it lasting forever. I pray that youll experience the fullness and abundance of life in Jesus Christ! What keeps us up at night? We can be free to pursue the things that God has uniquely designed us for in life. But the early Church was not so. But what does this wonderful promise meanespecially when bad things happen? When Jesus was born, all of Jewish Palestineas well as some of the neighbouring Gentile areaswas ruled by Rome's able "friend and ally" Herod the Great. They can disorient, discourage and debilitate us. And no matter what path you go down in your career, follow Christ, make disciples, and do Gods will. This is evident in his incarnation when Jesus performed other miraclesturning water into wine, feeding the five thousand (John 6:114), walking on water (6:1621), and the miraculous catch of fish (John 21:48). The point of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection is not to give people a way off a sinking ship. In him, the questions about identity, origin, meaning, purpose, and destiny are answered with profound hope. Before mankind fell and the curse of sin came upon the earth, the following things were true: 1) God made man a social creature ( Genesis 2:18-25) 2) God gave man work ( Genesis 2:15) 3) God had fellowship with man ( Genesis 3:8) 4) God gave man dominion over the earth ( Genesis 1:26 ). We can ask Him into our hearts, to change us from the inside out. of People throughout history have tried to find the meaning of life scientifically, biologically, philosophically, and spiritually. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Interestingly, the opening words of Genesis 1:1 are echoed in John 1:1: In the beginning (en arch).1 In a sense, Jesuss coming into the world represents a new creation.2 The apostle John draws our attention to the coming of Jesus into the world as a new creation by referring to him as the Word (logos), life (z), and the light (phs), which constitute creation terminology (Genesis 1:35; Psalm 33:6).3 It is helpful therefore to understand why these words are used to describe Jesus. However, the light of the Word is not overcome by the darkness (John 1:5, 12:35). To seek the kingdom of God. Here are five ways to refresh yourself and make time to recharge and prevent burnout. So, what is life all about? John applies the title of the Word to the person of Jesus who is the creator of all things (cf. We are uniquely created by God and equipped with natural talents and abilities to accomplish good works, which God has called us to do (Ephesians 2:10). 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). Jesus is our life. What Is the Meaning of Life According to the Bible? He was born to Joseph and Mary sometime between 6 bce and shortly before the death of Herod the Great (Matthew 2; Luke 1:5) in 4 bce. Remember, the Apostle Paul was a tent-maker as his full-time job. Our first and foremost priority in life is to seek Gods kingdom and His righteousness, to do what He wants us to do (Matthew 6:33). Now before you go there, the hope of Jesus is after this life, eternal life in Heaven. From a Christian perspective one would say that life is action, faith, belief, and relationships. He sent His Son to give us life and our life is secure because of Jesus. God is eternal. How we answer these big-picture questions is important so we can live with hope and a sense of purpose in times of uncertainty, pain, and frustration. Are we passionate about the most important things? A Christians perspective about life is very different from our culture. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. As complex as these matters may seem, Christians can find help in God's Word. Ultimately, we pray that our efforts in these days point to our Savior. The Bible says that it was mankind that choose to not follow Gods ways, but to go our own way. It is to know Jesus Christ, whom God has sent. Jesus is the One that the Father has sent. 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). We are a reflection of Gods glory, created in His image, and being converted by the Spirit into His likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18). The question about the meaning of life has been raised in every generation and investigated throughout history. But is that what the Bible says? When we put our trust in Him, we can begin to understand the real meaning of life.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'pursuitbible_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_13',111,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pursuitbible_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); When we base our lives on knowing God, we can rightly appreciate the good and beautiful things in life. This definition makes no mention of length of days, health, prosperity, family, or occupation. If you look at the Instruction Manual to see if this game of life is really fair, youll find amazing hope for the future. He used to persecute Christians but after his conversion, he became the apostle of Christ. From now on you do know him and have seen him.. Life doesnt come easy to those who are Christians. Paul sometimes simply used Christ as Jesus name (e.g., Romans 5:6). Sometimes we struggle to understand the events of our lives. All rights reserved. For many who are caught in the consequences of bad life choices, tomorrow seems to have no hope. Dont you see it? Kids need to obey and listen to instructions (Ephesians 6:1), being responsible by doing things without being asked. John 14:9). We care deeply, until we cant care anymore. Do our social media messages reflect things God likesor things He hates? 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. Throughout history, people have had different opinions on what it means. The Bible gives vital details about the challenges and benefits of this Highway of Holiness. In this article, I describe how you can be sure you get into heaven and not leave it to chance. Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. As a pastor, and also a chaplain for the local police department in the past, Ive gotten to be a part of some of the best and worst times of peoples lives. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. What Is Life from a Christian Perspective? 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). He has given us commandments to live by and strategies through the life of Jesus. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Whether people try to live a good life or not, the conclusion is the same: Life goes on. "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth and the life. (. When things go wrong, when plans fail and people let us down, how can we deal with disappointment? The Bible tells us to live with eternal values: faith, hope, and love (1 Corinthians 13:13), which can only be found in Christ. Wild animals will say Thank you! the coyotes and the buzzards Because I provided water in the desert, rivers through the sunbaked earth, drinking water for the people I chose, the people I made especially for myself, a people custom-made to praise me. (Isaiah 43:16-21 The Message).