Category Archives: discipleship
authenticity: spotting fakes
Jude. Jude wrote on a similar topic as John’s letters. His concern was that the church had opened its doors to false Christians, who had infiltrated it. He likened them to: Cain, who killed his brother out of jealousy (11). … Continue reading
Posted in church, commitment, discernment, discipleship, genuineness, integrity, ministry
Tagged Jude
Leave a comment
tests of authenticity
1 John 4. Is your faith genuine? Here are some tests to determine the authenticity of a profession of faith. Do I confess that Jesus is God’s Son who has come in the flesh? (2,15) Do I love other believers, … Continue reading
authenticity: children of God
1 John 3:4-24. John agrees with James that confession of faith is not proof of faith. True children of God are going to stop habitually sinning, and start habitually loving each other. If we say that the blood of Christ … Continue reading
authenticity: abiding in Him
1 John 2:18-3:3. Some time in the first century, there was apparently an exodus from the Church. A number of people who were thought to be Christians left, and started their own groups. Then they sought to convince those who … Continue reading
authenticity: mutual appreciation
1 John 2:7-17. Real Christians rejoice in the differences they have with others. There is no competition among the children, the young men, and the fathers. There is mutual appreciation and love among the brothers and sisters. LORD, help us … Continue reading
authenticity: obedience and confession
1 John 1:1-2:6. John had lived and served Jesus for a good long time. His concern for the churches under his charge was that they had been infiltrated by people whose faith was pretense. He wanted to remind his readers … Continue reading
Posted in church, confession, discipleship, faith, genuineness
Tagged 1 John 1, 1 John 2
Leave a comment
Jesus restores
John 21. Rather than end his gospel account with the story of the public ascension of Christ, John chooses to conclude with a discourse between Jesus and Peter. This disciple – who had denied Jesus three times, is asked if … Continue reading
Posted in discipleship, forgiveness, Jesus Christ, ministry, obedience
Tagged John 21
Leave a comment
Jesus: both the king and the Son
John 18:28-19:16. The stated reason for Jesus’ arrest, trial and crucifixion was that he had made himself a king, and thus was opposing Caesar (19:12). But the real reason the Jews were offended at him is that he claimed to … Continue reading
Posted in atonement, discipleship, Jesus Christ, kingdom of God, the cross
Tagged John 18, John 19
Leave a comment
Jesus: the light we had for a little while
John 12:20-50. All through John’s Gospel Jesus is described as a light. In this passage, the temporary nature of that light is emphasized. He came into a world of darkness and shone briefly. He urged the planet to: “Walk while … Continue reading
following Jesus
John 11:55-12:19. There are many who count themselves as followers of Jesus. The question is “Why are you following him?” Judas followed him for the occasional dip into the moneybag. Do you follow Jesus for financial gain? Mary followed Jesus … Continue reading
Devotions 