There’s nothing like the rush of adrenaline when experiencing something firsthand, for the first time. So many emotions emerge! Ones like excitement, awe, ecstasy, and joy. I love going to live sporting events, especially associated with American football. I will never forget the first time I saw …
Read More life, experience, Jesus is realWhat an incredible passage: light, sin, darkness, and honesty! In John 8, Jesus tells the woman caught in adultery and everyone standing there that he is the light of the world. What does this mean? The religious people were trying to cover up and hide their sin, acting dishonestly.
Read More honesty, light, forgiveness, cover upHow do we know we are in Christ? That we are living as his followers the way God desires? The short answer is: his love. Loving others, including our enemies, is what sets us apart. Continuing his letter, John reminds us of Jesus’ commandment: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you. . .
Read More love, traps, darkness, lightWhat happens when we hear something from someone which sort of sounds right, but actually is not the truth? Do we believe it? Do we question what is being said? How do we know?
If John has seemed weak on passion to this point, now he presses the pedal of intense emotion.
Read More truth, Holy SpiritWhat or who are you depending on? What is most important to you? Is it a habitual behavior, like lying to others or manipulating them to get what you want? Is it self-gratification where you pursue things to feel good, in control, and better than most people? Or is it power by knowing the right people, positioning yourself and saying whatever it takes to get ahead and make more money?
Read More living in Jesus, loveThe discussion of love continues for John . . . it may seem perplexing . . . why does John care so much about love. What’s the big deal?
It’s hard to know what was the personal, social climate in the first century. Did the normal person feel as isolated as we do? Did they feel a sorrow to their loneliness?
Read More sacrifice, love, relational depthOne of the myths we believe in western culture is the importance of being independent. It is a poisonous untruth for us as followers of Jesus. If we are in Christ then not only are we dependent on him for everything, but we belong to him in a family relationship and to his body, the church.
Read More Holy Spirit, truth, falsehood, heresy“Roman slaves and workshop owners were not used to sitting down at table and praying with Torah-observant Jews, and kosher Jews were not used to reading Scripture with prostitutes or migrant workers – and Paul thought this was the greatest vision of God’s way of living!”
Read More judgment, forgiveness, loveThis passage is difficult because John does not explain the heresy that he is refuting, a heresy which would have been known to the recipients of the letter. There have been numerous attempts to explain what is meant in these verses by “water” and “blood.” (The CEV opts for one interpretation.
Read More being born again, forgiveness, evilThis letter is for all of us who have faith in Jesus Christ, God’s son, the Messiah. John doesn’t say for all of you who call yourselves Christians, as though Christianity is just one amongst an array of religions from which we make a choice. Believing in Jesus isn’t just a matter of acknowledging that he lived.
Read More believing, Eternal life