John 3

What do you do with what you cannot fully fathom? Bill Sherrill comes along and gives us a reminder and a dose of humility so that we can understand that God is beyond our ability to comprehend.

What will your weather be this Christmas? Phil Ware recalls a refreshing winter morning that reminds him of the weather when Jesus came.

Why do we love the darkness so much? Phil Ware continues his series on Jesus, I AM, and his claim to be God with us, who brings light into our lives.

If Nicodemus needed grace despite all his religious accomplishments and his genuinely God-seeking heart, then we desperately need grace, too. Phil Ware continues his series on 'I Doubt It' by talking about Jesus' encounter with Nicodemus and his need to be born of God, from above, born again.

How important are our differences? Phil Ware continues his series on Outside the Walls, looking at Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman at the well and reminding us that they are more alike than they are different: both need Jesus and his truth, life, and love.

So what does God really want? God wants everyone to be saved. Not everyone will be saved, at least not according to the Bible. But that's not because God wants anyone to be lost. It's just that some will refuse to believe.

We can experience a genuine faith that brings life both to us and to those around us. Phil Ware reminds us that faith is something much more than just believing in our heads, but it is something that leads us to obey what Jesus asks of us so that we can find the life he longs to give us.

Preparing my mouth for marriage... and beyond! Byron Ware reminds us of the vital importance of how we communicate both in the words we choose to say, not speak, and the non-verbals we use as we speak them.

How can we do it when it is often so hard? Phil Ware continues his SHIFT series by talking about Nicodemus and how he was moved to minister selflessly to Jesus after he really understood God's love and Jesus' sacrifice at the cross.

For many people, verse 16 is the most beloved verse of the Bible. Why not also verse 17? Phil Ware asks us to think about a simple, but important question: why is it that we love to quote John 3:16 but leave out John 3:17?

The real question is whether or not we will choose to follow Jesus from the cross, to the tomb, and into the new life that Jesus' resurrection brings? Phil Ware reminds us that Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea were indisputable eye witnesses to the death of Jesus so the resurrection could be assured!

What can make my joy complete? Tom Norvell talks about his son's wedding and how everyone sacrificed to do what the bride and groom wanted and this allowed complete joy to bless everyone.

What are we forgetting before we try our ultimate ascent? Phil Ware reminds us that in a search for a new minister, especially a preacher or preaching minister, that we need to know our specific mission as a congregation.

Why did Jesus have to go to the cross and die? James Nored and Phil Ware remind us that Jesus gave his life for us because of his love for us and his unwillingness to leave us in sin.

There is yet hope So while the world around us tilts ever closer to self-destruction, and the choices being made offer harsh contradictions of almost horrible conclusions, our focus must be on God and His Son.

What do we do and how do we act in a world of critics? Rubel Shelly talks about how we all have begun to play the role of critic -- some are on the giving end and some on the receiving -- so how are we to act and respond in such a world?

Which gets blessed more, the pup or the petter? Mike Barres reminds us that love, the blessing of human touch, is important to our pets and also to us and those who we love.

Anything in your Christmas envelope? An older lady's mistake with Christmas envelopes reminds us that God never forgets to pay for our gifts!

What is the purpose of God sending Jesus? Tom Norvell looks at our humanity and sees behind it all our need for Jesus.

Are we losing focus? Phil Ware shares a reminder that not only must we do good and live morally, but we must not forget the main thing, letting others know about Jesus!

On this Christmas Day as we bring this year's journey to an end, the question you need to ask is as important to answer as it is simple to ask! James Nored and Phil Ware challenge us to faith in the eternal God who chose to reveal himself by becoming human and living in our world

What divides and separates us? With very different types of issues emerging recently on the issue of race, why not look at some Scriptures to see how God feels about this issue.

As we bring this year's journey to an end, the question you need to ask is as important to answer as it is simple to ask! James Nored and Phil Ware challenge us to faith in the eternal God who chose to reveal himself by becoming human and living in our world

We must always remember that God's love for broken people and our call to his mission must matter most. James Nored and Phil Ware remind us of the deadly consequences of a religion that forgets the love of God for broken people and mission Jesus has for us to the lost world.

Since God so carefully created our world with splendor, how much more will he not also care for us as his beloved children? Demetrius Collins and Phil Ware lead us in a virtual, DIY, worship through words and music using YouTube videos to glorify God for making us his children and promising to never leave us.

Is there a way to catch our breath and be renewed for a fresh start? Phil Ware begins a short 4 part series on the Holy Spirit as we begin the New Year, this one is focused on living by the power of the Holy Spirit.

What does God long to say to you? Phil Ware reminds us of the importance of baptism to Jesus as a new beginning and how that should be important to us.

We desperately need to push past the glitz of the season and remember the gritty grace of the manger and the glory of God incarnate in a helpless baby who came to be one of us! James and Phil continue their series on The Story of Redemption by focusing on the birth of Jesus and what it means for us.

Jesus didn't come to earth to be protected from life's harshest realities, but entered into mortality to share it all with us — the good, the bad, the ugly, and the painful! James and Phil continue their series on The Story of Redemption by focusing on the birth of Jesus and what it means for us.

If Jesus was baptized and if Jesus wants you to be baptized, what's holding you back? Phillip Morrison reminds us of the most simple and basic reason of all to be baptized: Jesus wants us to be!

Without the Holy Spirit, how can there be new life? Phil Ware continues his series on the Holy Spirit with a focus on being born of the Spirit and its ties to faith, baptism, and repentance.

God chose to come to us, suffer at our hands, and sacrifice himself so we could know the depth of God's redeeming love for us. Phil Ware shares Scriptures and James Nored shares an inspirational video regarding the blessings and significance of Advent, Jesus' coming to earth as God in human flesh as our Savior and Lord.

Some things we just can't do! Only God can bring new life with refreshment through his holy spirit.

I'm bad and no god could forgive me! There is a God who can forgive all the heinous acts anyone can perform. There is a God who allowed His only Son to save all of us by paying the price none of us deserved. There is a God who can take the worst sinner and transfer him or her into a forgiven

Proven love can grow strong and holy passion can send sparks into the air! Ann Voskamp writes about how much she loves her husband and why their passion still is as deep as it ever was.

Do we let love drive out our fear, or are we still holding back? Phil Ware reminds us what we know, but often don't practice; our love must have no barriers.

How deep is His love for us? Tom Norvell reminds us of the overwhelming deep love the Father has for us and reminds us that he gives us glimpses of this in a good father's relationship and love for his children.

The challenge is to help others celebrate Jesus 365 days a year. Brian McCutchen shares with us about the need for Christmas to continue year round.

Simple spiritual moves of faith can become divine appointments that change the world! Phil Ware shares Scriptures, stories, and ideas to help us prepare for the hour of worldwide unified prayer for our broken world, especially focused on Jesus being both Savior and Lord.

So how is your bracket holding up? Tom Norvell talks about his NCAA March madness tournament bracket and compares it to some predictions he is sure of in Scripture.

We can offer no greater service than to love people and prepare their hearts to receive Jesus! ToGather.church worship segment for March 29, 2020, focused on John the Baptizer finding his purpose in preparing other people's hearts for Jesus.

What is the greatest Valentine you have ever received? Quotations from Scripture about God's love for us in Jesus.

What's the easiest way to become a citizen? The only way to become a citizen in God's kingdom is to be born a second time, born of water and God's Holy Spirit.

God loves all the people of the world (John 3:16) and wants us to demonstrate his love for them so they will turn from their destructive ways and be saved (2 Peter 3:9). Demetrius Collins and Phil Ware lead us in a virtual, DIY, worship through words and music using YouTube videos to call us to recognize God's call to mission for us as we seek to be God with Skin On to people here, near, and far.

Your Father is waiting to hear from you! Russ Lawson talks about talking with his kids and grandchildren on the phone and how precious it is to him and how God longs to hear from us in much the same way.

Do you think James was really there through all of this mess? Phil Ware shares some insight and background on James the brother of Jesus and how he disbelieved, but came to faith.

Can you think of a more noble vision or a more compelling mission for us, the Lord’s people, than to be Jesus’ bodily presence to our fractured and fragmented world James Nored and Phil Ware challenge us through words and video to embrace God's mission for us as the bodily presence of Jesus in the world.

I knew the picture looked different zoomed out. Melissa Troyer reminds us of those mistakes made by our little ones when they are in their early exploration modes and how our job is not to load them down with rules but to show them where to reach.

We are called to live on Mission Under Social Distancing, not hide, hibernate, or withdraw from faith, ministry, and active compassion. Phil Ware describes what it means to 'live MUSD' and how important that we find ways to minister to our neighbors and one another in God's family.

Jesus died for me ... it doesn't get any more personal than that Jesus' death on the cross was personal. He died for each one of us personally. It's not about theology; it's about Jesus' living and dying for you and for me.

Can we keep that fresh feeling of being spared? Being delivered from cancer is great; being delivered from sin and death is far greater and that is God's gift to us in Jesus Christ.

Got that sinking feeling now that Christmas is past? Sarah Stirman reflects on the holiday blues, the ending of Christmas, and the extravagance and expense of the holiday, both modern and old.

Are you touched by the cost? Our freedom has always been paid for by somone!

The Bible and the early church were both exclusive and inclusive about salvation and fellowship. James Nored and Phil Ware remind us of both the exclusive claim of Jesus as the only way to God and the inclusive fellowship of welcoming all people who truly believed in Jesus.

So is it really merry and bright? Tony Thompson helps us put Christmas in perspective: God loves us!

God spoke His greatest message with just one Word! Phil Ware talks about why he and about 100 others go to Peru each year when it costs so much.

Why were the scars so important to the early disciples' faith? Phil Ware looks at Jesus' showing his disciples the scars on his hands and side to prove he was alive, resurrected from the dead.

True disciples of the Lord haven't stopped going ever since Jesus commanded it! Phil Ware continues his series on "What is CORE" by focusing on Jesus' final and intentional last command to make disciples of all nations, and emphasizes the first process of doing that: GOING!

What happens when we give it all away? We give our heart away a little at a time to our children and grandchildren and when it is gone we go to Jesus.

How are you a part of God's family? We are both born and adopted into God's family!

If we listen, it is not so silent a night at Christmas! Rick Brown writes about LSTN headphones, hearing, Starkey hearing foundation, 400 years of silence after the Old Testament, years, silence, quiet, need, hear, hearing, listening, listen, Immanuel.

God's yearning to bring life runs thematically from the beginning of our Bibles in Genesis, to its conclusion in Revelation. Phil Ware and Grady King bring us teaching and practical prayer strategies on praying for God's will to be done.

Jesus wasn’t just raised from the dead; he is also now alive in us through the Holy Spirit! James Nored and Phil Ware emphasize the importance of the Holy Spirit in our resurrection from the dead.

Not only can we begin the New Year as a fresh start, but we can also be made new — from the inside out — each day as we follow Jesus! Demetrius Collins and Phil Ware lead us in virtual worship through words and music using YouTube videos and inviting us to continually be made new from the inside out.

Because of our faith in Jesus and what he has done to save us, we can endure, stand fast, hold on, and let nothing deter us as we live fully for Jesus. Demetrius Collins and Phil Ware lead us in an online, worship through words and music using YouTube videos to truly believe that Jesus is the Holy One Whom God sent for us.

Can you think of a more noble vision or a more compelling mission for us, the Lord's people, than to be Jesus' bodily presence to our fractured and fragmented world? James Nored and Phil Ware challenge us through words and video to embrace God's mission for us as the bodily presence of Jesus in the world.

We must never forget God's most consistent message to each of us! Brian McCutchen reminds us that God's love is redeeming -- it forgives, cleanses, makes whole, and buys us back from our messes and lifts us from our burdens.

Are we really letting our love light shine in a world filled with so much darkness? Byron Ware reminds us that in our world of darkness, now more than ever, we need to be a people who do put love into practice every day.

How in the world did we get into this mess? Phil Ware continues with The Story and focuses on the first eleven chapters of Genesis and the Fall and the brokenness of our world.

I didn't know there was anything you couldn't sell on eBay? Teresa Bell Kindred talks about selling our soul and eBay and what we are doing with our own soul.

Why would the sinless Son give himself, surrender his life and his dignity, to save those who were ungodly, helpless, sinners, and enemies of God? James Nored and Phil Ware remind us that Jesus gave his life for us because of his love for us and his unwillingness to leave us in sin and how his love defined

Have you found out what is truly amazing this time of year? Jesus is the reminder of God's unconditional love and willingness to search and sacrifice to find us and bring us home as our love-sick father.

Through the years and all the changes, one thing remains true about the heart of God. Phillip Morrison reminds us in the shadow of Independence Day about the many inconsistencies when principles are first applied, yet he also urges us to be patient and gracious and open to the needs of all people.

O God, make our hearts ache for them to know Jesus! Phil Ware continues his series on "The Andrew Effect" by focusing on connecting those we know with Jesus.

So what's the grace and privilege we are supposed to find here? Phil Ware continues his SHIFT series and focuses upon giving generously as a privilege and grace.

We must always remember that God's love for broken people and our call to his mission must matter most. James Nored and Phil Ware remind us of the deadly consequences of a religion that forgets the love of God for broken people and the mission Jesus has for us to the lost world and helped define the way of Jesus through the cross to the empty tomb.

What could change everything? Bill Sherrill writes about God's clearest message through Jesus on the Cross and through the Gospel of John.

Are you a hands-on kind of person? God calls us to be a people and a person who touches hurting people because Jesus was willing to touch us.

It's more blessed to give… People like to give gifts at Christmas and all year round. That's because our God is a giving God, and it feels good to do things that are like God.

What's in it for God? Bill Sherrill reminds us that the spirit of the Christmas season is giving, not receiving and that we need to be a people with a spirit of thanksgiving.

But isn't it OK if I think God said it... even if he didn't? It is dangerous to assume God said something that he did not say. Even worse to think he said something different than what he really said.

How could God allow His Son to do it for us? It hurts to see our children experiencing pain so imagine how God feels about our pain!

What is the story behind this picture? This once in a lifetime event occurred: Jesus was born and place in a manger.

Why spend the money, make the time, and take the risk? Phil Ware finishes his series of reports on the trip to Sagrada Familia, The Community in Lima, Peru.

Sometimes we just need to be reminded that we matter. Brian McCutchen reminds us that we are known, loved and valued by God.

Don’t believe the voice in your head that says that it’s up to you to do it or to overcome it. Max Lucado reminds us that we can believe in Jesus and that Jesus can handle whatever we bring Him.

these ordinary people did the extraordinary: they lived Jesus’ words into reality. Phil Ware continues his short series on Acts 1:1-11 and focuses today on sharing the message of Jesus with the world God loves.

What's the most extravagant gift you ever got? While people may think they are giving truly remarkable gifts, no gift can match that of God's own Son.

In the middle of our grief, loss, and brokenness, we must remember that we are not alone in our brokenness. Phil Ware reminds us that God shares our pain in our worst moments of grief and loss, God is heartbroken with us.

Why tell people about Jesus? It's All about Heaven!! Our mission, obligation and responsibility is to tell the remaining 2/3 of the world's population (4.4 Billion) about Jesus, so that those who do what God commands will go to Heaven.

The enduring legacy we want to leave at Christmas is our lasting trust in God to deliver us from darkness and to lead us into the grace of his goodness by being present with us in Jesus! Demetrius Collins and Phil Ware lead us in a virtual, DIY, worship through words and music using YouTube videos to call us to recognize God's great love that led Jesus to come to earth and live as one of us to save us and show us how to live.

Few truths are more important to us than Jesus' promise to be at the Father's side interceding for us and presenting us to the Father as holy children of the King! Demetrius Collins and Phil Ware lead us in online, virtual worship through words and music using YouTube videos to remind us of the great assurance we have with Jesus as our advocate interceding for us and presenting us to God in his righteousness.

Why would God place us in close proximity to these people? Phil Ware talks about weird neighbors and who God has sent us to hear so we can lead them to Christ.

Because we could not be James Nored and Phil Ware remind us that we all needed Jesus' redemptive death on the cross so we could find new life in the grace of God.

Before Jesus, the word 'agape' didn't mean anything special. It was a sloppy word for 'love' pretty much like our English word 'love' as we use it today. Phil Ware reminds us where the word 'agape' really gets its meaning, in what God did for us in Jesus and that we must love God first if we are to love others properly.

Because God has so graciously loved us, we can live as Jesus' agents of love and kindness in our broken world. Demetrius Collins and Phil Ware lead us in a virtual, DIY, worship through words and music using YouTube videos to call us to recognize God's great love for us as something more like, feel, think, or say, it is always demonstrated.

How in the world do we use Scripture to build a culture of honor? Phil Ware finishes his series on building a culture of honor by focusing on Jesus and his birth and the awful way Herod misuses Scripture and worship.

The Holy Spirit gives birth to Lord in the heart of each new Christian and longs to bring that new follower of Christ to full maturity in Jesus. Phil Ware challenges us to enter the mystery of the conception and birth of Jesus the Messiah with Mary and find ourselves caught up in the story of Jesus with her.

Jesus longs to be born again into our world in me? Jesus wasn't just born into our world in the womb of Mary, but he longs to be born into our world again in each individual Christian the Holy Spirit gives birth to in the world.

What do you and where do you go when life isn't fair? Life is unfair and in the unfairness we need to learn to pray and keep after it and not relent, not praying those PC prayers, but gut check from the heart prayers that are real.

God has blessed us with many gifts, but the greatest of all gifts was God coming to us in Jesus of Nazareth! Christmas card and thank you from the Heartlight.org and VerseoftheDay.com team.

Have you ever wondered how he can stand it? Though it seems that He should, God doesn't tell His creation to go to hell. God doesn't give up on us; we shouldn't give up on Him.

What does God think when he watches your life? God does not watch your life looking for a reason to condemn you. He watches to see how he can help you.

If God really loved his son so much, why make him die? God loves his son. God loves us. Sending Jesus to die on the cross for our sins and then raising him from the dead demonstrates that love.

The Holy Spirit gives birth to Lord in the heart of each new Christian and longs to bring that new follower of Christ to full maturity in Jesus. Phil Ware challenges us to enter the mystery of the conception and birth of Jesus the Messiah with Mary and find ourselves caught up in the story of Jesus with her.

Why would he go searching at such great risk? Rubel Shelly reminds us of a hard story from last year about James Kim who risked everything to get help for his family, and he reminds us that Jesus did the same thing for us in leaving heaven.

What's up in the forest of your family trees? Max Lucado writes about Josiah and how he overcame the bad family heritage.

Have you heard this call lately? Valentine's Day has us thinking about love, but the real love, even more than the love of a mother or a lover, is the love of Jesus for us.

Who really knows the right way to heaven? God is clear about the only way to live with Him forever. It is through Jesus.

Waiting for the Lord to come and realizing that his coming is clothed in love. Phillip Morrison reminds us that waiting and Christmas and Advent involve waiting and the wait is worth the effort when the desire of our hearts comes and fills us with his love.

A rescue dog, God, and a love story I love God because of how much he has done for me. I was reminded of this by watching Lulu, our rescue dog.

Can you face the prospect of really bad news and tough times with faith? In the face of battling mental health challenges, could you take on the prospect of dying with faith, character, and hope?

These ordinary people did the extraordinary: they lived Jesus' words into reality. Phil Ware continues his series called 8GHT on Acts 1:1-11 and focuses today on sharing the message of Jesus with the world God loves and all the people of all races and nationalities and social levels.

Jesus is God made touchable! Phil Ware introduces his trip to Comunidad de Los Niños Sagrada Familia in Lima, Peru, and the children that Jesus wants touched with his grace.

What's so amazing about grace? Grace is amazing because of all the great things it does for us and changes in us.

When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Phil Ware challenges us to look beyond the cosmetic image we see in the mirror and view ourselves as God does.

Are you ready for the big wedding? Phil Ware concludes his series on Church to Kingdom, C2K, and reminds us that as Jesus' people, we are the bride of Christ and need to be ready for our wedding.

It sure is hard doing the right thing. Doing the right thing is hard, but the retirement benefits make it worth the effort -- just ask Jesus!

How do we ever understand what the cross cost God? Phil Ware continues his series on Mary and her being a window to the heart of God.

How do we really help people with low self-esteem? We are given remarkable freedom in Jesus; we can become like him.

It's time to start over New weeks and new years feel like new beginnings, but only God can truly make things new.

We are still a family gathered to remember Jesus, even when we gather virtually! Demetrius Collins and Phil Ware lead us in virtual worship through words and music using YouTube videos to challenge us to explore deeper biblical messages in the Lord's Supper than we often allow ourselves to consider.

Despite all the challenges, Mary and Joseph accepted their part in salvation's plan and their faith brought us God's gift of love, his beloved Son, Jesus! Demetrius Collins and Phil Ware lead us in a virtual, DIY, worship through words and music using YouTube videos to call us to recognize God's great love in sending Jesus, the joy Jesus' birth brings, and the truth that Jesus is with us and for us in this

Why do we often emphasize one, but forget the other? Phil Ware writes about the grace of God to save us from sin and for holy living.

Like speedbumps and curbs, these acts of holiness are meant to slow us down and keep us on the road. Max Lucado talks about his experiences as a baseball catcher and how the dimensions of homeplate were immutable, sacred, and in a sense holy and compares that to certain things in life that God has called sacred and holy.

We must not forget to punch that little red button and make sure the current of heaven's grace and power flow to us and flow through us to the world. Phil Ware continues his series called 8GHT, focusing on eight principles out of Acts 1:1-10, today his focus is on the Holy Spirit being the power behind the early church.

How do we know what passages of Scripture are most essential? Phil Ware stops at the mid-point in his series on What is CORE to review and look forward to what is ahead.

Give thanks for this? Phil Ware finishes his November series of giving thanks and focuses on our mission or call from God.

Caught to be released into life, community, and purpose by the grace of God! Phil Ware begins a series of articles on sharing Jesus in word and deed with others called Catch and Release and focusing on following Jesus.

Core to following Jesus is becoming like God in offering love, first. Phil Ware continues his series on what is core and focuses on love and what it is and how Jesus and God demonstrate it.

Some of us have had good fathers. Others have had absent fathers or bad fathers. In Christ, however, we have been adopted into God's family, and we all have a loving, powerful, tender, and attentive Abba Father! Demetrius Collins and Phil Ware lead us in a virtual, DIY, worship through words and music using YouTube videos to help us honor and praise our Father in heaven on this Father's Day.

Becoming like God in His most known virtue! Phil Ware continues his series on what is core and focuses on love and what it is and how Jesus and God demonstrate it.