エピソード

  • Committed To Keeping God's Commands

    Committed To Keeping God's Commands
    2025/07/06
    In a world full of discouragement—whether from global tragedies, personal losses, or witnessing others abandon their faith—Christians often struggle with confidence. The early church in Ephesus faced similar challenges when many believers left their community. John wrote to those who remained faithful, addressing how to revive confidence and renew commitment to Christ.John reminds us that our confidence comes not from our own sinlessness but from having Jesus as our advocate with the Father. He provides a clear test for knowing if we truly know God: keeping His commandments, specifically believing in Jesus and loving one another. This obedience isn't about earning salvation or achieving perfection, but about a lifestyle that demonstrates our relationship with God. When we continue in faith and love despite challenges, we prove we belong to God's kingdom—a kingdom where light is already breaking into the darkness of this world.John also warns against loving the world's broken systems and values, reminding us that while the world is passing away, those who do God's will abide forever. Our identity in Christ—forgiven, known by the Father, strong, with God's word abiding in us—gives us the foundation to keep obeying, keep confessing Jesus as Lord, and keep loving one another, not to earn salvation but as evidence that God's love is at work in us.
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    34 分
  • Committed: The Foundation of Our Commitment

    Committed: The Foundation of Our Commitment
    2025/06/29
    The book of 1 John, written by Jesus' closest friend, provides profound insights into our fellowship with God. John wrote with three purposes: that our joy may be full, that we may not sin, and that we may know we have eternal life. The central concept binding these purposes is fellowship—our connection with God and with each other.This fellowship happens in the heart and mind of God, in His light where no darkness exists. Our fellowship with other believers is based on our individual fellowship with God, not on perfect agreement. When we walk in God's light, the blood of Jesus continuously cleanses us from sin—like windshield wipers constantly removing raindrops. This isn't 'once saved, always saved' but 'once saved, staying saved' through Christ as we continue walking with Him. Our attitudes toward sin significantly impact this fellowship: rebellion and impenitence break it, while confession maintains it. When walking in the light, confession becomes not an obligation but a desire to restore intimacy with God after disappointing Him.
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    39 分
  • Loyalty To Doctrine

    Loyalty To Doctrine
    2025/06/22
    Humans naturally resist authority, yet we willingly seek instruction when we trust the source has credibility, relevance to our lives, and communicates in an accessible way. The early church in Acts 2 devoted themselves to apostolic teaching because they recognized the apostles had been specifically authorized by Jesus himself to teach what it means to follow him faithfully.The apostles described themselves as 'jars of clay' - ordinary vessels carrying an extraordinary message. They weren't seeking personal glory but serving others by imparting 'a secret and hidden wisdom of God' revealed through the Spirit. Though they've been dead for 2,000 years, their writings continue to serve us today. Their teachings remain authoritative on crucial areas including participation in church life, relationships and marriages, generosity and hospitality, ethnic reconciliation, and loving everyone including enemies. These distinctive teachings set Christianity apart throughout history.Our loyalty to Jesus is expressed through humbly listening to and living out the apostles' teachings. Before we can fulfill the Great Commission to make disciples, we must first be disciples ourselves who submit to apostolic instruction. This requires examining areas where we might resist their teaching and approaching Scripture with genuine humility rather than selectively following what appeals to us.
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    37 分