Do you know what the future holds for you? Ever wonder how you can you be sure that your future is in fellowship with the Lord? That is what chapter 5 of John is all about. May the Lord use this to give you assurance that your eternal fellowship with Him is secure. If you … Continue reading 1 John 5
1 John 4
Discernment is critical in the Christian life. Throughout the earthly ministry of Jesus and on into the Church Age deceivers have been trying to lure away the followers of the Lord. In today's reading the Lord, through John, provides us with three standards or tests to discern whether someone is leading us to closer fellowship … Continue reading 1 John 4
1 John 3
Sometimes it sounds as if John is demanding sinless perfection from believers! But today's reading will correct that misconception. John's concern is not with perfection but with direction. He knows that perfection awaits us when we are glorified at the coming of the Lord or at our death. What counts today is the direction of … Continue reading 1 John 3
1 John 2
In today's reading John writes of children of light and darkness. Those in the light walk according to the truth, and truth is found in Christ. Those in darkness walk according to lies and those lies are found in the anti-christ. Although all of us are susceptible to stumbling into the darkness let's all endeavor … Continue reading 1 John 2
1 John 1
This week we are launching into the epistle of 1 John. Do you long for greater fellowship with God? Wel,l 1 John will tell you how to draw closer to Him. In today's reading we encounter two fundamental truths on which our fellowship is built. The first is that God Himself came to His world, … Continue reading 1 John 1
2 Peter 1
Today we start in Peter's second epistle. The first letter was to help the church face the coming persecution, this one is to help the church face the onslaught of false teachers. Peter starts with a reminder that continued growth in Christian maturity and reliance on the supernaturally given scriptures are foundational. If you haven't … Continue reading 2 Peter 1
1 Peter 5
Peter closes out this epistle about suffering with a call to action. Elders are called to shepherd the flock. I think it is significant that the role of elders is given prominence particularly when the church is about to face suffering. When difficulties arise spiritual leadership is essential. Another prominent call to action in this … Continue reading 1 Peter 5
1 Peter 4
Change is hard. We like the ruts we get into. Especially when we are in that rut with friends who pressure us to staying the same rut with them. We also end up organizing our time to keep us in the rut. Our interests even follow along the same rut. Let's say, for example, you … Continue reading 1 Peter 4
1 Peter 3
I read this morning that the church in Afghanistan is preparing for a murderous onslaught. They are expecting that the Islamist Taliban rulers will do everything they can to wipe out the 5000 - 8000 Christians who are in the country. Similarly, Islamic forces across the middle-east have been emboldened in their snarling hatred of … Continue reading 1 Peter 3
James Chapter 5 and 1 Peter 1
As James closes out. Notice how he kind of hits a lot of different points in just a few verses. It is as if he has so much to say to them that he is trying to get it all out in a hurry. Isn't it great to have someone like that in your life? … Continue reading James Chapter 5 and 1 Peter 1
