Jesus Knows Your Address
Christ's concern for the world is seen in His priority on the church. Only when the church is faithfully following Him will the gospel have its full impact on the world. In addressing the churches in Revelation 2, Jesus both encourages believers and appeals for their repentance.
The Apocalypse Is Nothing to Fear
The marvelous book of Revelation is a prophetic vision of things to come. This first chapter makes it clear that at the center of God's plan for now, for the future, for eternity is Jesus Christ, who is presented to us in a glorious vision that emphasizes His divine attributes.
A Severe Warning for Every Generation
As we face real threats to our Christian faith, our foremost duty is to live consistent, balanced, God-honoring lives. This requires guarding our relationship with the Lord even as we point others to how they can know the Lord as well.
Contending for the Faith
We are called to fight for and preserve the faith--the truth taught in God's Word. But victory requires that we know our enemies--their teaching, character, and motivations. Jude informs us of these matters and also warns us that enemies will arise within the church itself.
Holding the Rope for Others
The short letter of 3 John shows how we can be involved in God's work in the world by faithfully supporting others in their mission for Christ. It also encourages us not to listen to or join in with the critics but instead focus on doing good for the Lord's sake.
Corresponding for Encouragement
In the book of 2 John, we see the heart of John the apostle as revealed in a private letter that also happened to be God's letter to all believers. In it we are reminded of two intertwined obligations for us as Christians: to walk in truth and to walk in love.
Certainty and Assurance
In a world of increasing uncertainty, the apostle John offers absolute certainty on three key issues: our standing with God, Jesus' identity as our fully divine and fully human Savior, and our sure salvation in Him. We can stand on these truths with confidence and joy.
Detecting Counterfeit Truth and Genuine Love
False teaching is all around us, and it is seductive and dangerous. In our passage for today, John reminds us how to recognize it. He then gives us some of the most definitive statements on God’s love that we will find anywhere.
Changing Our Identity
In today's passage, John drives home the amazing truth that God calls us His very own children. He then gives us three areas in which this truth should impact our lives on a daily basis.
Antichrists from the Past, Present, and Future
The apostle John speaks not only of the coming Antichrist, but also of "antichrists" present right now--people who have left the faith and are working against Christ, even seeking to replace Him. With the Spirit's counsel through God's Word, we need not be taken in by them.