1st 2nd 3rd JOHN

The living and active Word of God Almighty says that we are recognized by how we love and pray for our enemies. Let us not edge out God by allowing our EGO to hinder our duty to love one another unconditionally, just as He loves us all.

“Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.” (1 John 2:10-12)

This was the John whom Jesus loved, the one who stood at the foot of the cross. This John peered into the empty tomb on Resurrection day! This John makes proclamations based on his intimate, exalted friendship with Jesus.

First, Second and Third John were written by the aging John while he was in Ephesus. His first letter encourages us to know what we know, with confidence. In order that we be happy, and faithful to confess our sins while we stay alert and know with certainty that we are loved by God. In this short letter John uses the word know more than 30 times. His emphasis is in the knowing, that we may be full of joy.

Wrapping up John 1: We are to behave, we are to walk in the light, we are to admit our sins, we are to be obedient to the Word of God, we are to maintain intimacy with God through the Holy Spirit, we are to love others unconditionally, as God loves us. We are to live in the world but not of it, and we are to be the proof of a changed life while on this earth. The reward is the great assurance of eternal life. Genuine Christianity is more than a vow to behave, it is a faith that increases by our daily witness of His glory, and of His faithfulness towards imperfect people. We love because He first loved us. As His royally adopted child, we can feel His presence and KNOW we are not alone.

“Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.” (2 John 1:7-9)

The third letter of John is written to his sweet friend Gaius. This man dedicated his life, talents and wealth to the Lord. People like Gaius have enabled the Body of Christ to continue to spread and grow. A few traveling strangers took advantage of his generous hospitality and spread malicious gossip. John encourages Gaius to not imitate what is evil, but to keep hosting out of his goodness.

“Behind the Curtain” is a 100 page Summary of the New Testament and parts of the Old Testament

Search Barbara Alley Hoyle on Amazon for your hand held copy

March 10, 2019 – April 20, 2019 “It was Finished”