As in 2 John 1, John referred to himself as “the Elder.” This could refer to his age, his position of authority as an apostle of the Lord, or even his relation to the addressed Gaius, who John considered his spiritual child. John showed great affection for Gaius in his use of “beloved,” but more …
Continue reading 3 John 1-4Can we be sure of our standing with God? Can we know that, upon our demise or Jesus’ return, we will be “found by Him in peace” (2 Peter 3:14)? The readers of John’s 1st epistle lacked confidence in their standing with God because of the deceivers in their midst. John wrote, “These things I …
Continue reading Sermon: That You May Know The Gnostic false teachers were trying to undercut the confidence of the Christians of John’s audience. He wrote that they may know their standing with God. The end of chapter 2 affirmed that, “everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him” (2:29). It is this fact that John expounded upon with such excitement. To be …
Continue reading 1 John 3:1-3“Let brotherly love continue” (Hebrews 13:1). Christians are a part of God’s family, and as such, there is fraternal affection for one another. This brotherly love is to be continuously shown in word and deed (cf. 1 John 3:18). Paul’s epistle to Philemon serves as a wonderful example of the strength of brotherly love. Ppt: …
Continue reading Sermon: An Appeal For Brotherly Love In the previous verses (v. 4-7), Paul acknowledged Philemon’s proven character of love as a Christian. This set the foundation for Paul’s appeal to him. He could have easily, and appropriately commanded Philemon to do “what is fitting,” but he instead appealed for “love’s sake.” He would have yet another opportunity to act in a …
Continue reading Philemon 8-11
Our Lord was no stranger to tests. He was met with many in His life, and continually proved His love for His Father, and showed His depth of wisdom. It was no different when one day His enemies came before Him with questions designed to trap. The Pharisees failed to find Jesus in contradiction when …
Continue reading Which is the greatest commandment? Prior to a final exhortation in verses 6-15, Paul set a foundation for a proper response from the Thessalonians. The exhortation would include a reminder about that which he already wrote (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:11; 5:14). In order to elicit the most appropriate response, Paul first gave attention to their past and present obedience. As …
Continue reading 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 The previous verses contained Paul’s explanation concerning that of which the Thessalonians were ignorant (cf. 4:13-18). The current text serves as a reminder of things of which the brethren were already informed – the coming of the Day of the Lord, and the conduct to be assumed by those who look forward to that day. …
Continue reading 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11The Hebrew word, “hesed,” is found in the Old Testament 247 times. Many times, it is translated into “lovingkindness.” However, because of the deep meaning found in the Hebrew, it is also translated into several other English words (mercy, kindness, faithfulness, goodness, etc.). It is not only a central theme of the Old Testament, but …
Continue reading Sermon: Lovingkindness (Hesed)
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His lovingkindness is everlasting” (Psalm 136:1, NASB). Psalm 136 is a great manifestation of the constancy of God’s lovingkindness (translated “mercy” in the NKJV). This concept of “lovingkindness” denotes the condescension of the transcendent Creator in love, mercy, goodness, and loyalty to His creation as …
Continue reading Facebook: “His lovingkindness is everlasting”