The charge given in this short letter to all those beloved in God and kept for Jesus (that's you and me) is to contend for the faith. As so often happens this command is sometimes twisted into a license for contention. That is, any sort of minor interpretive or theological difference of opinion becomes a … Continue reading Jude
3 John
The short book of 3 John is all about Christ's servants and discernment. On the one hand are the faithful servants. Those who are sent out and who bring with the the truth of the Word. John calls them "fellow workers for the truth". On the other hand are those out for themselves. They are … Continue reading 3 John
2 John
This is a short book. Only 13 verses. Yet, it is packed with an important exhortation to the church, stand firm in truth and love. Those two things must go together. Truth without love sometimes is perverted into legalism. Truth without love is always ineffective. Love without truth descends into mere sentimentality. Love without truth … Continue reading 2 John
1 John 5
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
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