E/pistle

Summer ministry is exciting, and very busy. Long story short: we're taking a week off before wrapping up 1 John.

John's hope is restoration for sinners as he gives instructions for how Christians should pray for those who are in the throes of addressing sin in their lives.

John shares a three-fold explanation for his efforts in writing a letter to the churches.

John opens himself up for cross-examination from his skeptics, allowing them a chance to speculate on just who this Jesus of Nazareth really is.

The motive behind the instructions to abide in Jesus encompasses the forgiveness of our sins, abiding in God's love, sharing that love with our neighbors, and claiming victory in the ultimate spiritual war for souls.

Those who abide in God will find that there is no room for envy, hatred, or jealousy - anything outside of love has no place in the hearts of Believers.

Continuing on in his description of the extent of God's love, John continues to provide assurance of salvation to his readers.

God's love for us is demonstrated through Jesus' sacrifice; His love in us being lived out brings further glory to Him.

In the middle of reminding his readers to agape love one another, John provides them with a test to see if a teacher is in Christ or not.

After inviting his readers to continue to pray to God, John openly reminds them of what God's primary will is: that they believe in His Son, and that they love one another.

John echoes James' letter to the Churches by showing that since God demonstrates His love to us through Jesus, how can we withhold love for one another?

Using the example of Cain and Able, John follows up his instruction on how the people of God ought to love one another.

John provides a fundamental overview of the message of Christianity; this is also a key verse from Scripture that is frequently taken out of context, misinterpreted, and mangled to try to make it fit secular, sinful lifestyles.

John demonstrates once again that those who are in Christ will persevere in the ongoing struggle against sin.

John backs up his writing with a rather straight-forward summary of what Christians believe.

In a spirit of worship, John reminds his readers of who God declares them to be in Christ.

John reminds his readers about the assurance of salvation they have in Jesus.

John's plea, invitation, reminder, and instruction is for Believers to remain and abide in Jesus.

John makes some bold statements regarding those who are in Christ vs. those who have outright rejected Him.

John gives his readers a sense of urgency as they await the return of Jesus, being watchful for the spirit of Antichrist.The Gospel Coalition Article mentioned in today's episode can be found here.

John parallels the teachings of Jesus about serving God fully instead of pursuing the hollow draw of the world.

John provides a conditional statement for his readers on if they are in Christ.

John shares an old commandment that has been reaffirmed and fully accomplished in Jesus.

John brings the third layer of finding assurances of faith, being found in obedience to Jesus' teachings.

John moves from introducing Jesus and His message to cover His work of intercession and atonement.

John provides his readers with a quick recap of Jesus' message, reminding us of what God extends to us when we confess our sins.

Instead of introducing himself, John introduces his readers to the man he follows.

Welcome to Season 20! Once again, we take a look at the who, when, and why behind John's first general letter to the Churches.

As we wrap up Season 19 (and Peter's letters), it's time to debrief and recap what we've been studying in 2 Peter.

As Peter wraps up his second letter, he gives a respectful nod towards the work Paul has been doing amongst the Churches.

Rather than stand idle or speculate on Jesus' return, Peter urges God's people to build The Kingdom.

Peter reminds his readers of the return of Christ being guaranteed, not something to be mocked.

Peter asks the real questions in this passage: why would you ever follow someone who is only out to deceive and manipulate you?

Peter makes more comments on the tendencies of false teachers so the Churches can better know what to look for as they build God's Kingdom.

Peter points out examples of how God judges sinners from the Old Testament, demonstrating how false teachers are no exception to God's justice.

Peter admits that false teachers are nothing new, and he teaches the Church about their path of inevitable destruction.

Peter affirms his credentials by sharing what he, James, and John saw take place on a mountain in Israel when they were with Jesus.

Jesus has revealed to Peter that his death is coming soon, so Peter takes advantage of the time left to preach the Gospel and encourage other Believers.

Jesus has revealed to Peter that his death is coming soon, so Peter takes advantage of the time left to preach the Gospel and encourage other Believers.

Instead of sitting back and relaxing in our faith, Peter urges Christians to live their faith in Jesus out in daily life.

Continuing on from the introduction, Peter demonstrates to the Church how they can grow and live in obedience to God because of what God has supplied for them.

Peter introduces himself and sets the tone for the rest of the letter he writes to the general Church.

Welcome to Season 19! Once again, we take a look at the who, when, and why behind Peter's second general letter to the Churches.

As we wrap up Season 18, it's time to debrief and recap what we've been studying in 1 Peter.

Peter identifies the source of opposition for Christians, encouraging them to stand strong in their faith, fight, and to remember the victory they have in Jesus.

Peter identifies the source of opposition for Christians, encouraging them to stand strong in their faith, fight, and to remember the victory they have in Jesus.

Shifting to focus on the elders in the Churches, Peter encourages everyone to have a humble, healthy attitude towards one another.

Contrary to our intuition, Peter declares how blessed God's people are when they suffer for the Name of Jesus.

Peter provides urgency and importance to why Christians ought to continue in prayer, love for one another, forgiveness, and hospitality.

Persecution because of faith in Jesus is unavoidable - Peter's encouragement is to endure and to celebrate how Jesus is proclaimed in the midst of suffering.

In light of questions about their faith, Peter encourages Christians to be ready to defend and explain what they believe and why they believe it.