2012-13 verse: Behold!

The year focus verse for 2012-13 is John 1:29, as introduced at the February parent meeting. It is a powerful scripture in which John the Baptizer's life, anticipation, and faithfulness continue to point to Jesus and to teach today's believers about focusing upon the vital things. ¶

The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said,
“Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

                                                 John 1:29 (NASB)

From this rich verse at the beginning of Jesus' earthly ministry, Lake Pointe will seek to focus upon the message in three parts, in addition to the whole:

1. Be!
   We are human beings, created by God to exist, to accept His salvation through faith in Christ, and to let His Spirit live through us -- not human doings, striving to prove something or to earn His love and salvation.
   
   We're called to "be" many things, but chief among which is the call to "Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy (Lev. 19:2).
   
   
2. Hold!
   To what do we hold? Upon what should we cling tightly?
   
   In John 8:31-32, "to the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
   
   Rebuking the Pharisees and lawyers of His day in John 14:15, Jesus cautioned against the wrong thing to do:  “Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.”
   
   
   
3. Behold
   This term means infinitely more than the southern term, "lookit!" Who or what are we to stare at intently and to make our focus, our goal, and our prize? Only Him who is worthy, who "takes away the sin of the world."
   
   Hear the echo of Revelation chapter 5:12: “Worthy is the Lamb!"

“Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

                                                 John 1:29 (NASB)