The Illuminated Word

John reminds his readers that if our love is to emulate the Father's we cannot love the way of the world. 

John reminds us that as we walk with the LORD, we will sin. When we sin, we have an advocate in Jesus, who is a propitiation for our sins. John points out that part of being an authentic Christian means we obey Jesus and love our brothers and sisters. 

The psalmist leads us through a prayer asking for spiritual renewal. Rarely do our lives follow a continual upward trajectory in our walk with Christ. We have plateaus and valleys in our faith. This psalm helps us in times when we need renewal. 

When we are called to follow Jesus, we are called to be servants. So how ironic was it that in the upper room, none of the disciples acted like servants! The only one who did was the only one in that room that could've demanded to be served. And yet, he washed their feet...

John speaks to two different groups in his epistle. One group is struggling with their faith. They are wondering if what they received is reliable. Another group is promoting a heresy known as Gnosticism. They are upsetting the faith of others. In this introduction, John lays out important teaching to encourage believers and dispute the false teachers. 

The Psalmist inverts how we look at God's providence. God is able to take valleys in life and make them times of fruitful abundance. It is through hardships and trials that God shapes us and molds us. 

What separates God from all the other "gods"? He is a God who gives us the choice.

John the Baptist is described as a witness. We are called, according to God's mission, to witness as well.

John, in his prologue, tells the reader some profound truths. He reveals that Jesus, before becoming a man, was the preexistent logos of God. The Son had always been and had perfect fellowship with the Father. John reveals to us who Jesus really is. 

Asaph lists 10 of the great enemies of God's people in this Psalm. He reminds us of God's triumph over his enemies in the past. He gives his readers assurance that God will deliver again. As Christians, we know that we have received the ultimate deliverance of Jesus in his victory over sin, death, and the evil one. 

As we continue looking at "Judgement", we come to Jesus' words that can seem harsh at first. But he's really just saying what we've always said - if your actions don't support your words, then it doesn't matter what you say.

Paul encourages the Thessalonians with Christ's return. 

In 2 Peter 3, Peter gives his readers an admonition to live their lives with the knowledge that the Day of the Lord will come. 

Psalm 82 has been one of the more challenging Psalms for Christians to grasp. Who are the "gods" mentioned in verse 1? We will tackle this question in today's podcast. The biggest takeaway from this passage for us is that the Almighty God has concern for the neglected and at risk of this world. We are called as followers of Jesus to do the same. 

Peter has warned his readers about false teachers - what they teach and how they present themselves. But he has another warning, and this one is for those who listen to false teachers.

Peter lays out a simple doctrine of the inspiration of Scripture. He points to the reliability of the testimony of those that saw Jesus. He reminds his readers that he was there at the Mount of Transfiguration. 

Psalm 81 probably finds its historical background during the Exile in Babylon. God reminds his people that he has rescued them from Egypt before and he can do it again. The people's proper response is heart-felt worship and listening to the words of God. 

As Peter knows his time is drawing near, he writes one last letter warning early believers to watch out for false teachers and also to remind them of the promises they received through Jesus. 

Peter's final greetings for this letter is for the church to continue its efforts on building strong relationships among them, to stay watchful for Satan's attacks, and lastly a blessing of peace.