Dancz Ministries

Dancz Ministries Blog

  • John 3:16: A Call to Transformative Belief

    John 3:16 is among the most widely recognized verses in the Bible: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” While often quoted, it invites a deeper question: What does it truly mean to “believe” in Jesus? Is belief simply intellectual acknowledgment, or does it require something more profound?

    The Greek word for “believeth” in this passage is πιστεύω (pisteuō), which conveys trust, reliance, and an active faith. This belief is not mere mental assent but involves a heartfelt commitment and trust in Christ. As BibleHub (n.d.) explains, the term captures the depth of belief necessary for salvation—a belief that leads to transformation and obedience. This understanding aligns with the writings of the early Church Fathers, who stressed that faith must move beyond acknowledgment and lead to active living in Christ.

    Justin Martyr, in his First Apology, highlights the transformative nature of true faith. He states, “Christ’s coming was to establish believers not merely as followers in word, but in deed, that their faith should bear the fruits of life” (First Apology, Chapter 10, as cited in CCEL). Likewise, Irenaeus, in Against Heresies, reflects on the relational aspect of faith, writing, “God’s love is revealed in the sending of His Son, that through belief in Him, man might be saved. This faith is not of ourselves, but is the gift of God, revealed through His Word” (Against Heresies, Book III, as cited in CCEL).

    This understanding deepens when we consider James 2:19, which states, “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” James challenges a passive or superficial belief, emphasizing that true faith in Christ must produce good fruit. Genuine belief requires trust, boldness, and action—fully embracing Jesus as the Son of God and allowing that faith to shape one’s life.

    Believing in Jesus, as John 3:16 outlines, calls for more than acknowledgment; it calls for a transformative relationship that produces fruit in alignment with God’s love. Faith in Christ is not static but living and active, just as Jesus affirmed in John 15:5: “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” This passage compels us to trust in Christ fully, allowing our belief to reflect God’s love through our actions and devotion.

    References

    BibleHub. (n.d.). Strong’s Greek: 4100. πιστεύω (pisteuó) — To believe, to have faith, to trust. Retrieved from BibleHub

    Justin Martyr. (n.d.). First Apology. In A. Roberts, J. Donaldson, & A.C. Coxe (Eds.), Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 1 (Chapter 10). Retrieved from CCEL

    Irenaeus. (n.d.). Against Heresies. In A. Roberts, J. Donaldson, & A.C. Coxe (Eds.), Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 1 (Book III). Retrieved from CCEL

    Authored by:

    Ryan Dancz

  • Being Prepared

    This morning, I started my day with a simple prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to guide me and use me in any way that would bring glory to God. I didn’t realize just how quickly that prayer would come to life.

    After finishing my first class, I made my way to the lunchroom, where I met a fellow student I hadn’t spoken to before. She mentioned working with a Christian-based organization, and that led me to share about a Christian Study Hall located just a block from the school. But as we talked, she admitted that she wasn’t a believer and wasn’t a fan of organized religion. At that moment, I felt compelled to share my story and my personal struggles with organized religion.

    To my surprise, she then mentioned wanting to read the Bible. As God would have it, I happened to have a small New Testament Bible with me. I handed it to her, feeling a rush of gratitude for being in the right place at the right time. I recommended that she start with the Gospel of Mark and then read Acts. Here’s why:

    Mark is an excellent place for new readers of the Bible to start. It’s concise, straightforward, and written for a Gentile audience—people unfamiliar with Jewish customs or traditions. It highlights the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus in a way that is accessible and powerful for those new to the faith.

    I then suggested Acts because it tells the story of the early church—how it was born, grew, and thrived through the power of the Holy Spirit. It demonstrates the incredible transformation that takes place when people come together in faith, filled with the Spirit to spread the Gospel.

    As I handed her the Bible and explained this, she seemed genuinely appreciative. In that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace and purpose. It’s a profound joy to know that perhaps one more soul is taking a step closer to salvation.

    Reflections This encounter made me reflect on the importance of being prepared—not just spiritually, but physically too. Carrying that small New Testament turned out to be the bridge that God used to reach someone’s heart. It also reminded me that sometimes, simply being available and willing to share your story can make a lasting impact.

    Authored by:

    Ryan Dancz