Tag: Spirit

Three Witnesses to Life

“For there are three that testify, the Spirit and the water and the blood, and these three are in agreement.” — 1 John 5:7-8 (NET)

God doesn’t leave us guessing about who He is or the life He offers. In His mercy, He gives us witnesses to testify to the truth of His eternal promise. These witnesses—the Spirit, the water, and the blood—all point to the fullness of life found in Him.

The Spirit is the breath of God that brings life itself. In the creation account, we see God form Adam from the dust of the earth and breathe into his nostrils the breath of life (Genesis 2:7). That same Spirit is the One who animates us today, drawing us to Christ and empowering us to live for Him. Without the Spirit, we are spiritually dead. But with Him, we experience the abundant life Jesus promised, a life filled with purpose, peace, and the very presence of God.

The water is a picture of both death and life. In baptism, we are symbolically buried with Christ, dying to our old selves, and raised to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). The water testifies to our transformation, declaring that we are no longer slaves to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. It is a powerful reminder that through Christ, we are made new—a life eternal replaces the death we deserved.

The blood is the essence of life itself. Leviticus tells us, “For the life of every creature is its blood” (Leviticus 17:14). Jesus’ blood, shed on the cross, is the ultimate testimony of life—offered to us at the cost of His own. Through His sacrifice, we are washed clean, forgiven, and brought into eternal communion with God. The blood doesn’t just symbolize life; it is life, poured out so that we might live forever with Him.

Each of these witnesses—Spirit, water, and blood—agree and point us to Jesus as the source of true life. They testify to His power to create, renew, and redeem. When we look at the work of the Spirit in our lives, the symbolism of water in baptism, and the power of His blood on the cross, we see a unified message: life comes from Him, through Him, and for Him.

So, as you reflect on these three witnesses, ask yourself: Are you living in the fullness of the life they proclaim? Have you surrendered to the Spirit’s leading? Have you embraced the new life symbolized in the waters of baptism? Do you rest in the saving power of His blood? Let these witnesses remind you that Jesus doesn’t offer a partial life; He offers life in abundance—life eternal.

Merry Christmas!

What Does It Mean to Worship “In the Spirit”?

In John 4, Jesus has an unexpected conversation with a Samaritan woman. As they talk, the topic of worship comes up. The woman points out that Jews worship in Jerusalem, while her people, the Samaritans, worship on Mount Gerizim. She’s focused on the location — the outward, physical expression of worship. But Jesus turns her understanding upside down when He says, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).

At that time, worship was deeply tied to physical places and rituals. For the Jews, worship meant making sacrifices at the Temple in Jerusalem. For the Samaritans, it was about their sacred site on Mount Gerizim. Worship involved tangible, fleshly acts like offering animals, burning incense, and performing rituals. It was all very external, based on visible actions that could be seen and measured.

But Jesus reveals something revolutionary: true worship isn’t about the right location or the right ritual. Worship is about connecting with God on a deeper, spiritual level — “in spirit.” God is not confined to one place or bound by physical forms. He is spirit, and so our worship must be spiritual too.

What does it mean to worship in spirit?

Worshipping in spirit means engaging with God beyond external acts. It’s not about just attending a service, singing songs, or going through the motions. It’s about our hearts being fully involved — a connection that goes beyond what we do and reaches into who we are. It’s a worship that is alive, personal, and sincere.

Reflect for a moment: How often do we let worship become a routine? Do we sometimes show up physically but forget to show up spiritually? Worshipping in spirit challenges us to move past the surface. It calls us to dig deeper, to approach God with genuine reverence and openness.

This doesn’t mean we abandon the outward expressions of worship. Attending church, singing, and praying together are all important. But the key is what’s happening inside. When we worship, are we really connecting with God? Are we letting the Holy Spirit guide our hearts and minds, or are we just checking off a box?

What about worship in truth?

Jesus adds that we must worship in truth. This means that our worship is based on a real understanding of who God is. It’s rooted in the truth of Scripture and the reality of God’s character. Worship in spirit without truth can become emotionalism — a vague sense of connection without a firm foundation. But worship in truth without spirit can become dry and mechanical, just going through the motions without real engagement.

Think about your own worship: Do you feel deeply connected to God, and is that connection grounded in the truth of His Word?

Why does this matter today?

In our modern world, it’s easy to let worship become just another part of our schedule. We attend church, sing the songs, say the prayers, but it’s possible to go through the motions without engaging our spirit. Jesus calls us to something more — to a worship that’s alive, personal, and real.

God desires our hearts, not just our attendance. He wants us to connect with Him in a way that transforms us from the inside out. Worshipping in spirit and in truth allows us to move beyond ritual and enter into a real relationship with the living God. It’s not about getting everything right on the outside; it’s about letting God work deeply on the inside.

Next time you’re in a moment of worship — whether it’s at church, at home, or anywhere in between — pause and ask yourself: Am I worshipping in spirit and in truth? Am I fully engaged with God? Am I allowing the Holy Spirit to guide my heart and mind, while grounding my worship in the truth of who God is?