LOVE ONE ANOTHER

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LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - I John

Read 1 John 3-4

     Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 1 John 3:2 NKJV

* * *

     As Christians struggle to live for God in a world that is opposed to Jesus Christ, John reminds us that when we see Christ we will be like him. But even now we can see glimpses of hope as the Spirit works in our hearts. He says, “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren” (1 John 3:14a)

     Along with faith in the name of Jesus should come a unique love for others who are in the family of God. “And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.” (1 John 3:23)

* * *

     Father, the most amazing thing is that You loved me and gave your Son to die in my place. As John writes, “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (1 John 4:10-11) Lord grant me this supernatural love for my fellow believers.

* * *

     If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen.   1 John 4:20 NKJV

WALK IN THE LIGHT

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LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - 1 John

Read 1 John 1 -2

     But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.   1 John 1:7 NKJV

* * *

     John the apostle who walked and talked with Jesus Christ encourages Christians to walk in love toward each other, confessing their sins and abiding in Christ. Even though these are believers, they must realize the reality of sin and spiritual warfare in their lives.

     John explains, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  (1 John 1:8-9)

     Where does this temptation to sin come from? It does not come from God, but from within ourselves “For all that is in the world -- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life -- is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 2:16-17)

* * *

     Lord, I am so grateful that you made a way for us to deal with sin in our lives. Thank you for your faithfulness to cleanse me from all unrighteousness and present me before the Father completely forgiven because of the cross. Thank you that ...this is the promise that He has promised us -- eternal life. (1 John 2:25)

* * *

     "And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming."   1 John 2:28 NKJV

SCOFFERS WILL COME

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LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Peter

Read 2 Peter 2-3

     But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you... 2 Peter 2:1a NKJV

* * *

     Peter writes, “Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle...that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets,...knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts,    (2 Peter 3:1a,2a,3)
     These false teachers will question everything from the Genesis account of creation to the promised Second Coming of Christ. They will refute the gospel “even denying the Lord who bought them...And many will follow their destructive ways... “(2:1b-2a) Furthermore, they will ridicule believers saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation." (3:4)

* * *

     Lord, I thank you for the wonderful promise that “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise ... but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (3:9) May we be found faithful until the day You take us home..

* * *

    “You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”   2 Peter 3:17-18 NKJV

ADD TO YOUR FAITH . . . .

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LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Peter

Read 2 Peter 1

     His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us ... 2 Peter 1:3 NKJV

* * *

     Peter writes this second letter to remind believers of all they have received in Christ. They have been saved by faith in Him and have been given “...exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature...” (1:4)

     Now it is time, he says, to build on that faith in their relationships. He instructs them to “add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. " (1:5b-7)

     This growth in grace and knowledge is not optional for the believer. “For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.” 2 Peter 1:9 NKJV

* * *

     Lord, I thank you that as believers we can expect to see growth in our lives through the power of the Holy Spirit. Help us to be diligent in examining these areas of self control and brotherly kindness. When things are difficult in our homes, communities or churches, give us perseverance and the ability to endure. Most of all give us kindness and love.

* * *

    Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;   2 Peter 1:10 NKJV

FERVENT LOVE

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LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Peter

Read 1 Peter 4 - 5
  

     ... Be serious and watchful in your prayers, and above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins."   1 Peter 4:7b-8 NKJV

* * *

     Peter continues to encourage Christians to grow in love for the brethren. He urges us to pay close attention to relationships as husbands and wives and believers in the church. He writes, “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God...If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies...” (4:10, 11b)

     He calls for humility in the sight of God and men, trusting that He will supply our needs. He exhorts us to “humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7

* * *

     Lord, I want to cast my cares upon you today. Help me to realize that I am not alone but can minister to others with the “ability which God supplies.” Help me to reflect Your love in all I do, especially in my own family. Help me to respond to attacks by the enemy with steadfast faith.

* * *

     Be sober; be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.    1 Peter 5:8-9 NKJV