Sunday, September 15, 2013

1, 2, & 3 John (Bible in 90 Days)

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John was the last remaining apostle to survive persecution from the Jews and the Roman government. Though he didn't escape persecution, he lived to be an old man who began to encourage the next generation of believers in their faith and confidence in God.

In the years following the life, death and Resurrection of Christ, many argued over the identity of this mysterious man named Jesus. Even many Christians began to doubt the divinity of Christ, putting into question God's love and grace. John wrote these letters to present a clear picture of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to assure believers in their faith.

1 John 5:13 -- "I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life."

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John described God as light, love and life. He presented simply and practically what it meant to have a fellowship with God.

1 John 1:7 -- "But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin."

By knowing and walking in His love, we have the ability to confidently walk through our life knowing that God gives us eternal life with Him. We can come to know peace and joy even in this fallen world and share that love with others.

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Truth and love are great ideals, but are seldom practiced in our power hungry world. Christ, however, embodied both truth and love. By associating ourselves with Jesus Christ and calling ourselves Christian we are to uphold ourselves to God's standards, making truth and love a vital part of Christian life.

2 John 1:6 -- "Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning."

How we treat others reflects our true values. We have to evaluate ourselves and determine whether we will live and love as Christ did or conform to the selfishness of the world.

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3 John 1:11 -- "Dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God."

Jesus Christ lived a life of truth and love and sacrificed himself to save us. He is the light of the world and provides us life. It is our choice what to do with our life, but God wants us to live for Him. Not conforming to the world is hard, but God gives us rewards for our faith and a life full of purpose and love. John knew that love, since he spent his whole life in God's presence. He wants us to know that is not only possible to walk with and fellowship intimately with Christ, but that it is worth it.
 Tales From A Mother - Daily Devotionals 

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