TWO SHORT LETTERS
Today’s Reading: 2 – 3 John
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
The ruins of Ephesus. The top of the ancient Celsus Library can be seen lit by the sun just beyond the pillars. John’s two letters, today’s reading, were probably written from here. Ephesus spawned many religious cults. John writes, “Many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh” (2 John 1:7).
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: 2 John 1:5, 3 John 1:5-6
And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another…
Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers, who have borne witness of your love before the church. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well.
John’s primary message in his Gospel and in his three letters is about God’s love and “that we love one another.” Second John teaches how to behave as Christians, and how to recognize any teaching which diminishes the Person of Jesus Christ by teaching that He was an angelic spirit who was not 100% human as well as 100% God! Let’s not forget that while John was a most loving person, he was also referred to by Jesus as one of the “sons of thunder” (“Boanerges” in Greek – Mark 3:17). Because he loved God and people, John was able to thunder out his message of uncompromising truth, particularly the truth about the One with whom he spent over three years.
In his third letter, John refers to a previous letter which he had written, perhaps First or Second John, which had been rejected by “Diotrephes,” a leader in one of the churches. Religious cult founders are much like this man who “loved the preeminence,” who “spoke malicious words,” and who exalts himself into a place of egotistical religious authority. Gaius and Demetrius are two generous and humble men. We would do well to follow their examples.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, I did not have the glorious opportunity that John had. He spent all that time with You during Your ministry in the Galilee and Jerusalem, and he was there at the cross when You died. He even fished with You, Lord, along with his brother James, Peter and Andrew, when You caused great catches of fish, and he was there when You miraculously fed the 4,000 and the 5,000. Realizing that John knew You better than I ever could, I pray for the grace to accept and believe John’s words about You. In Your Name I ask this. Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I find it hard to imagine how inflated are the opinions some have of themselves, that they think they know better than the Prophets and Apostles, who gave us the historical record of God interacting with His human family. The wanderings of the imaginations of some who teach false doctrines, like Diotrephes, are with us in books, lectures in universities, media appearances, etc. Now, 2,000 years later, there are still some who are getting attention who think they know the facts better than those who were actually there when the events they describe happened. In order to deceive people, the devil even comes as an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:12-15). There are false doctrines brought to our doors. The founder of one of these says he got his information from an angel (Mormonism), and another founder was an independent minister in Brooklyn, NY, who was bitter against other Pastors in his area. He claimed to know the Greek language in which the New Testament was written, but in the records of a court of law in which he appeared, he could not name the letters of the Greek alphabet. He resurrected the false doctrines which John thundered against. Then it was called “Arianism;” today it’s “The Watchtower Society” or “Jehovah’s Witnesses.”
Yours for “Truth,” John’s message, and for living out that truth as did “the elect lady and her children.” Also for learning from the godliness and generosity of Gaius, and for following the example of the one who “has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself,” Demetrius!!
David
P.S. If readers have the time, I suggest going back into the blogs and reviewing all three of John’s letters. Tomorrow, God willing, we’ll be in the book of Obadiah.
Such meaningful scripture from John, prayer, and message, this morning. We are soaking in Your Word today, God, and resting in Your Holy Presence. His peace, love and protection be with you, fellow saints in the Lord. Praying for each of you.
But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” 62 And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” Mark 14:61-62 ESV
Something different, today:
Lech Valley – Wild Herbs and Tyrolean Knödel | What’s cookin’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ue7T4ZOCU2A
Amen
It would have been so wonderful to have walked with Jesus in his earthly ministry. It is equally so wonderful to have the Word. Somebody said to me yesterday, it must be so hard living alone in the “isolate yourself at home” requirement. I said “no – never alone. He promised never to leave me. Never to leave me alone”. Remember that chorus? Thank You Jesus. Peace to all this Easter season
I found No Never Alone Congressional singing with the words but I don’t know how to add it to my post
In total agreement dear sister Doreen.
Never heard of that hymn before but found this on YouTube.
https://youtu.be/aRv1A9UJ7bg
Such lovely words and thanks for mentioning it. When u go into some of these videos there’s little ads that try to entice you into ‘false beliefs, etc.” Just x out of them and show the Lord that it is He that you wish to hear from.
So wonderful to have this time of year to celebrate God’s eternal salvation. Blessings.
That is the same hymn (chorus), just performed a little differently! I love the congressional singing because I attended large churches that really belted it out! Thanks for your input. It is still true!
Just saw the error in my post! Should say “Congregational” not “Congressional”!? Sorry
Here it is Doreen. I agree, must have been wonderful to walk with Jesus. I was thinking the same thing putting myself into the scripture. And, I agree with you also about being alone through this isolation because we are never alone. God bless you!
He Promised Never To Leave Me Alone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTgByGI9DiU
We are never alone..Praise God
Amen Doreen we are never alone His with always
amen Doreen! amen! we are never alone, God is always with us; His Word says so,
let us pray always for each other in Jesus Name amen amen amen
Thank You, Lord God, for the loving and faithful ministers of Your Word You have sent. Help them, bless them, strengthen them today, Father, so they can do the eternally-great work You have called them to do. Thank You, Lord God, for giving Your life for us, and for Your presence in our lives. Help us to share that Life with others, we ask in Jesus’s name, amen
Amen Rob.
Amen!
Amen
Amen Rob!
A happy and blessed Easter to everyone.
Amen Rob
yes Amen Rob
Amen,Rob.Thank you.
Agreeing with you all, we are never alone! Christ has promised that He would never leave nor forsake us, and even though in this world we will have tribulation, that we are to be of good cheer, that He has overcome the world! How comforting to remember that we are hidden safely in Christ, and under the wings of the Almighty One.
The chorus “No, never alone” is in The Salvation Army Song book. Here are the words. Truly a beautiful, calming song. What a great promise for today:
1. I’ve seen the lightning flashing, And heard the thunder roll,
I’ve felt sin’s breakers dashing, Trying to conquer my soul;
I’ve heard the voice of my Savior, Telling me still to fight on,
He promised never to leave me, Never to leave me alone.
Chorus
No, never alone, No, never alone;
He promised never to leave me, Never to leave me alone.
No, never alone, No, never alone;
He promised never to leave me, Never to leave me alone.
2 The world’s fierce winds are blowing, Temptation’s sharp and keen,
I have a peace in knowing My Savior stands between—
He stands to shield me from danger, When earthly friends are gone,
He promised never to leave me, Never to leave me alone.
3.When in affliction’s valley I’m treading the road of care,
My Savior helps me to carry My cross when heavy to bear,
Though all around me is darkness, Earthly joys all flown;
My Savior whispers His promise, “I never will leave thee alone.”
4. He died for me on the mountain, For me they pierced His side,
For me He opened the fountain, The crimson, cleansing tide;
For me He’s waiting in glory, Seated upon His throne,
He promised never to leave me, Never to leave me alone.
Thank you Pastor Samuel! God bless you and your family!
Yes AMEN
Thank you!
Off The Cross
They opened my flesh to the bone,
Harder still when they heard no moan,
As meat was torn from my ribs;
For my clothes they claimed dibs.
As the cross was still on the ground,
A mother’s sobs were the only sound,
My body ached in so much pain,
From the whips that fell like rain.
They drove the spike through my hand,
As my Father’s shadow covered the land,
Then they raised the cross up high
To where my body would soon die.
Each breath then came with bolts of pain
As Satan sought this world to regain.
But he knew I would do it again
Just to break his worldly reign.
That is why I broke the serpent’s sword
And became your loving,willing Lord,
For to step down off the cross,
The world then would be My loss.
GW (Bill) Marshall/ (2011~2012)