To Know the Love of Christ

After comparing the light to the dark, John details why he wrote his letter. He even gives a new but old commandment, explaining the difference. As if light and dark weren't enough, John talks about an anti-Christ: what is an anti-Christ, who is an anti-Christ, and how to spot the anti-Christ. This episode is longer than usual because there's so much to cover. Let us know your thoughts about the anointing and other thoughts you want to share.

The excitement that John writes with jumps off the page in the first four verses. He uses light and darkness to emphasize our fellowship with God through Jesus. What is fellowship? Why is it so important that he explains it in the way he does?

Let's get a bit of background info on these books that we will study this season. It is universally believed to have been written by the apostle John close to the end of the 1st century. Several themes run throughout all three letters. While it is good to read (and quick to read) all three in one sitting, they are great books to study individually. Listen today as we introduce more of 1-3 John. We are excited to dive back into the New Testament again. We hope you are excited to study these epistles with us.

"Vengeance is mine, I will repay" says the Lord - Hebrews 10:30, Romans 12:19, Deuteronomy 32:35 After warning and blessing the children of Zion, the Lord addresses the oppressor of His people. He doesn't punish for the sake of punishment. He's a just & patient God. After awarding the multiple opportunities to repent, He will carry out due recompense. Judgment is inevitable.

There was so much to cover in Chapter 2 that we wanted to take our time and not squeeze it all into one episode. Starting with verse 18, God first tells His people that He will restore them, then how He will dismantle the force that oppressed them, and how He will bless them abundantly. It is the blessing He leaves behind for their repentance. Chapter 2 is all about repentance for the Israelites but also for the future remnants who call upon the name of the Lord. The final four verses are a prophecy fulfilled in the New Testament. Because Jesus' apostles recite these verses on the day of Pentecost, there is an important message. The children of Zion will never be put to shame. It is a promise from God.

The locusts are gone but have left a destructive path that affected so many areas of their lives. Now, the people are being warned that another day of the Lord is coming soon! It's described in the most dreadful way. However, the Lord tells them (yet again) what they must do to avoid this utter destruction. In Chapter 2, the image of Israel's destiny is reflected back with a hopeful picture if they heed the trumpet blast. He wants to relent if they repent. He wants to leave a blessing. Why?

The prophet Joel conveys the Lord's severe and eye-opening warning to the people. Its message shows the consequences of their sin and the long-lasting effects on their lives. However, the Lord, staying true to Exodus 34:6, also gives them the opportunity to repent by telling them how. He does not just want repentance. He wants true and wholehearted repentance. The difference is evident.

We are switching it up a bit. We are continuing season 5 by studying another book, Joel, rather than ending the season. Before introducing the book, we discuss why we chose these two books, the importance of studying the books of the prophets, why they are commonly referred to as major or minor prophets, and the impact on the readers' lives. Although this book is vague in one way, it is insightful and deeply significant in its purpose for the ancient Israelite nation and our Christian living.

The Day of the Lord! Is it an apocalyptic phrase? Does it mean a day which the Lord has made? Or could it be a hopeful promise? The end of Malachi leads directly from rebukes & warnings to silence & significant changes for the Israelite nation. What does it all mean, and what can we learn from these six verses?

This is the final warning. Because The Lord does not change, Israel has been spared thus far. However, they are given one last chance to understand the drastic measures He is about to take if they do not repent. It is scary for those who choose not to repent or feel that it's in vain to follow Him. However, there is hope for the one who endures, for the one who believes in the promises of God. The Lord declares that there is a distinction between the two.

The last chapter was filled with rebukes from God. Here the priests are getting warnings from God: change or else. God does not dole warnings without reason. He directs the priests' attention to the importance of various covenants, the responsibilities of those involved, and God's view of broken promises.

Let's dive right in! The people of Israel have been out of Babylonian captivity for approximately 100 years and are several generations removed. The cycle of faithfulness and unfaithfulness of God's people continues. God is now speaking through His prophet Malachi to a nation that has grown indifferent, complacent, and arrogant in their heritage and worship of God. This is God's final attempt to extend His grace, mercy, and patience before taking very drastic measures.

Welcome to Season 5! We are planning to study the Old Testament prophetic books of Malachi and Joel. Today's episode is a background and overview of Malachi. In the next four episodes, we will dive into the text in more detail. Then we will study Joel. We are excited for this season and excited that you are joining us!

The conclusion of the whole matter is..... The author brings his book of wisdom to a close with a plea and its reason. Hevel. What does it mean? Where does it take us? Let the truth goad the reader as well as the son.

The proverbs of Ecclesiastes continue in this chapter. We went from learning how to spot the fool to realizing that in all our wisdom, we still won't know everything. There are things that happen in life that we just cannot know the how's and why's about them.

Can we really spot a fool? Chapter 10 details some examples of spotting a fool both visibly and by their words. This proverb-type chapter also serves as a warning not to become a fool. Send us a message (or answer the question posted if you listen on Spotify) with your thoughts of verse 11.

The living dog is better than the dead lion. How is that? "even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table" Matthew 15:27. There is hope while we are alive - eat, drink, and be merry! The poor wise man saved a little city. He was soon forgotten yet is written in the Bible to always be remembered because of his wisdom. This chapter almost reads like it's another chapter of proverbs, not disjointed but maybe lacks a sense of flow. However, heavenly nuggets of wisdom in verse 1 and the last verses, which seem to be a downer, can be an encouragement when considering Ecclesiastes on the whole.

Hevel is the theme of the book, with death as one of the recurring topics. We go from the "gloomy proverbs" of chapter 7 to what we consider to be a non-linear way to answer the author's own question, "Who is like the wise?" Why does he ask this question? After all, is anyone wise?

This chapter begins with the "gloomy proverbs." We discuss the spiritual and practical application of a few. We see that the dark side of these thoughts only highlights the whole purpose of life. It is not all about wisdom and mourning, righteousness and sadness. What are the things that we should remember? Forget? Ask?

The author continues his dark thoughts but also offers little glimmers of light. Those dark times make the light seem even brighter and vice versa. It seems that if we were to write a 12-chapter book about lives, it could possibly be like this book. The love of Christ (John 1:4-5, 9-10) can be seen if we look for it (Matthew 7:7).

To be rich or poor, that is the question! The wise author dissects what life is for the two. Is it good to be rich? To be poor? There are consequences and rewards for both. Where can we find the love of Christ in wealth, or is it all hevel?

The author seems to be sharing random thoughts in the same format as the proverbs. This way of sharing nuggets of wisdom or nuggets of despair continues for several chapters. We spend time breaking down and digesting the full nature and intent of the author's contemplations. Temporal things and events are hevel. Being alone in the temporal is hevel. And, without God, all of it is utterly hevel. The author has shared God in previous chapters but does not here. Where is the love of Christ?

There is a time for everything. The opening poem of this chapter is beautiful, yet the author spirals again into despair. The poem labels seasons of life that humans experience both physically and spiritually. Although the author knows the nature of God, he is distraught at the finiteness of man. Where do you see the love of Christ?

The author is a "been there - done that" man. We discuss what he possibly meant by being guided by wisdom in these experiences even though it seems that some of these things are not wise. As he looks back at what he's done, the author spirals from pride to depression. Then the truth of it all ends his dark train of thought.

Vanity of vanities - all is vanities! Is it truly all vanity? The author says that wisdom and knowledge is madness and folly. Yes, yes it is...when the earth and all that's in it, from the sun and wind, to the streams and seas, revolve around ME! We are just starting to dig into this book that seems dark and heavy. Can we find the love of Christ in this chapter? Where do you find His love?

Welcome to season 4! Ecclesiastes is part of the wisdom genre of the Bible. Let's discuss when, what, who and why of this Old Testament book.

"Do not be alarmed, You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; He is not here." These were the first words spoken to a chosen few - the first words of good news! A charge was laid before them - "Go, tell His disciples and Peter that He is going before you to Galilee. There you will see Him, just as He told you." Is that all? What happens next? Does this command apply over 2000 years later? How can we know?

Excruciating physical pain. Unbearable emotional pain. Everything about this tremendous event was planned, deliberated, and calculated. Every single thing from the words spoken to the garment worn. He intentional did it all because of love.

Jesus has been judged worthy of death. Because the Sanhedrin was limited in its power to pronounce the death penalty, they got the Roman Empire involved. The Roman governor would much rather release the King of the Jews. Not only did the Jewish mob choose a notorious criminal instead, but they cried out for the most gruesome punishment available. The brutality inflicted on a human through crucifixion was incredibly painful. But Jesus also endured disgusting beatings, slapping, and mockery. He endured it all without protesting. He endured it all with patience. He endured it all.

Jesus is now arrested and brought secretly before the Sanhedrin. Witness testimonies do not agree, but the absolute truth is still declared: judgment is coming! While this kangaroo court is in session, Peter gets cornered. How does he face this temptation? After he sees his Friend, he cries. For anyone who loves the Lord, this pain is all too real.

It's the darkest hour in history. Weakness. Turmoil. Sweat drops of blood. Agony. Humanity. In this darkest hour comes a kiss from a "friend." Betrayal. Violence. Healing. Humanity. Weakness in abandonment. Strength in arrest. It's the darkest hour in history.

Many are gathered in Simon the leper's home. There is anointing & worshipping, observing & curiosity, watching & learning, accusing & betraying. Amid this event, Jesus comes to the defense of someone. At the same time, a major unseen event occurs. Later, He and His apostles observe the first day of Unleavened Bread/Passover. As they eat, Jesus tells them that one of them is a betrayer. Sad and unsure, they each ask Him if it is themselves. Jesus institutes a new memorial during the Passover meal, explaining what the emblems will now mean for His disciples. It is a covenant that He is making for the forgiveness of sins. Afterward, on the Mount of Olives, Peter emphatically declares that he would die rather than betray Jesus. Do you find yourself in these passages as we did?

Jesus is still sitting and talking to the two sets of brothers and uses another fig tree as the center of a divine lesson. One point to take away is the importance of being ready, awake, and on guard. A faithful worker does not sluff off his responsibility but is prepared and diligent with his work and focus. Passover is a Jewish holiday, a memorial of a judgment when the Lord passed over those who obeyed His command in order to be saved from slavery. This memorial was to be observed throughout the generations. It is at this point that the leaders of the Jewish nation put their evil motives into action. "And what I say to you, I say to all: Stay awake."

Look at this wonderful temple, the pride and joy of Jerusalem, now called the abomination of desolation! What? When? How? Jesus gives an exclusive answer to two sets of brothers who may not have been fully ready to hear about it but also get encouragement from the Lord about His elect. The warnings Jesus bookends in His reply undeniably debunk popular religious beliefs. There will be no excuse. The fear of the Lord and the hope in the Lord are wrapped tightly together in these verses. And He gives us a choice of what we want.

Word entrapment is the name of their game! More religious leaders are ganging up on Jesus now. However, the common people gladly listen to some lessons that expose the motives of their leaders. As scripture does when we study it, the divine flow of the incident smoothly transitions to humility, generosity, and faithfulness, even amid a chaotic world. Where do we find ourselves in this scenario? Who are we here?

Jesus returns to the temple after turning over the tables the day before. Again, the leaders of the temple question His authority. This is the beginning of an onslaught of questions. Jesus, in all His patience, skillfully answers a question with a question, then teaches one of the last of His parables that puts the evil plan of the leaders into motion. Verse by verse, we examine this parable and find how we can apply its principles today.

Jesus goes in and out of Jerusalem in these verses. He gets the deserved high praises upon His first entrance but withers a fig tree for not producing the expected fruit. When He returns to Jerusalem the next day, He overturns the tables of the money-changers. In every incident, He teaches lesson after lesson. How many times have we given Him the deserved high praises of "Hosanna! Hosanna!" and then failed to produce the expected fruit? Are we quick to help others serve but worthy of our own tables being overturned? Ouch!

The third time is not always the charm because the disciples haven't fully grasped what Jesus is telling them. This time He gave gruesome details. What do you want me to do? What do you want me to do? Jesus asked this question twice and heard two different replies. Oh, the many times we have approached the Good Teacher with our requests! What would our request be if He were to ask today: What do you want me to do?

Commands that seem to have become difficult through the ages are explained and made clear despite the attempts to test the Lord: divorce, covetousness, and having gods before God. What seems impossible is really a call to be closer to the Lord! Find out what the children do because the kingdom belongs to them!

Again, Jesus tells His disciples that He will be killed but be risen after three days. How quickly that leaves their minds...again...as now the Perfect Teacher must take a moment to teach them about humbly serving rather than desiring to be the greatest. John tries to shift the focus off them to someone who is not following them, but Jesus brings it back to His lesson. What He teaches is as severe as it is drastic!

What a big way to kick off season 3 - the transfiguration of Jesus! We get to hear another declaration from God in Heaven about God on earth when Peter tries to give equal honor to Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. Immediately (as Mark likes to say) after this momentous event, Jesus walks straight into conflict and becomes the Mediator of a faithless dispute. He perfectly draws out a father's faith with such patience. The divine Teacher is also the sweet Healer. Be sure to answer our question we ask - we want to know what you think. Please send us a message via the FB group page or Instagram.

Here we go! A profession of Jesus as the Christ, the awaited Messiah, the One that the apostles are ready to defend to the death. He gave them a command to keep it quiet. We studied that it is because their knowledge wasn't complete at this point. When Jesus starts sharing some details of dark events to come, Peter, who represents all of us at some time in our lives, tells the Lord how things really need to happen. This leads Jesus to use some harsh and sharp language. His disciples are given a choice: life or death. Each comes with a price. How much is it worth? How much am I willing to pay? After we share where we find the love of Christ, there's a message to you as we conclude Season 2.

Jesus and His disciples return to Decapolis, but it's very different this time! Was it a result from the last visit? The fearful now follow, the hungry are fed, but the followers are faithless. The blind man is then healed, but do the "blind" see clearly?

A Syrophoenician woman has so many things against her, yet she is willing to cross those barriers to do what it takes to get a piece of Jesus. Her begging provokes a reply from Jesus that seems to be quite insulting. What's more astounding is her reply to Jesus! After traveling for nearly 2 months, Jesus and His disciples are back in an area where He heals a deaf and mute man in a one-on-one encounter that is far different than any of His other healings.

Traditions are helpful in remembering what's important. However, the Pharisees carried their traditions too far. When they questioned Jesus on His disciples' disregard of the traditions, Jesus makes sure that it is clearly understood what is taking place here.

There is so much to unpack in these verses. For example, Jesus removes His disciples from potential chaos and handles the situation Himself. Yet, He allows His disciples to struggle in a boat while He intended to pass them by. Exhaustion, long days & nights, and constant demands of the people never stops or distracts Jesus from taking care of EVERYONE!

Sometimes our humanity or our servant mindset gets in our own way of enjoying the abundance of care and blessings that the Lord is so free-willing to shower upon us. Other times, we need a lesson in humility and a change in perspective before enjoying abundant fellowship with the Bread of Life.

When we met John the Baptist in chapter 1, he was preparing the way for Jesus. Some who heard the truth of God's word readily accepted and believed. Others, however, were enraged with what he had to say to the point that they did whatever they deemed fit. These verses show us the dark side of an evil heart but also the power of the truth on the heart. In this flashback, there's dancing, debauchery, and deceit. Then, finally, a rash oath brings immediate regret and an end to the preparation. Can the love of Christ be found here?

Jesus goes home, but His people do not like the man that little boy Jesus grew up to be. What can He teach us about rejection? What can we learn about being His disciple? And for what does He marvel at us today?

What a difference 12 years makes! It can go from dreadful to joyful in a matter of faithful moments. Are we guilty of letting it get to the point of desperation before we seek the Lord's help? "If it's small enough to worry about, it's big enough to pray about" - do you agree?

There's a peaceful calm in the storm, an authority over chaos and fear. And there's a new life for the repulsive man when true authority is near. Join us as we unpack the lessons we learned from this passage of scripture.