November 30, 2022
BELIEVING THE EYEWITNESS TESTIMONY CONCERNING JESUS The apostle John opened his first letter as he did his gospel, and as Moses did the Torah, with the phrase: “the beginning.” Also, similar to his gospel, John referred to Christ as the “Word” (Greek: “λόγος, logos”). In John’s gospel, he spoke of the Word’s divine preexistence and
November 30, 2020
BELIEVING THE EYEWITNESS TESTIMONY CONCERNING JESUS The apostle John opened his first letter as he did his gospel, and as Moses did the Torah, with the phrase: “the beginning.” Also, similar to his gospel, John referred to Christ as the “Word” (Greek: “λόγος, logos“). In John’s gospel, he spoke of the Word’s divine preexistence and
December 1, 2017
Light. It reveals that which darkness conceals. It heals that which shadows the soul. It gives life to those who live by it. It is glorious, causing every color in the spectrum to be uniquely reflected in those who walk in its radiance.
How can we know this “light?” Listen to these words of Jesus, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).
November 30, 2015
The apostle John opened his first letter as he did his gospel, and as Moses did the Torah, with the phrase: “the beginning.” Also, similar to his gospel, John referred to Christ as the “Word” (Greek: λόγος, logos). In John’s gospel, he spoke of the Word’s divine preexistence and agency in the beginning of creation, but here in John’s first epistle, he spoke of the beginning of the Word’s earthly ministry. In regards to his gospel, John surely spoke by faith and inspiration because he was not present to witness creation. But in his epistle, he clearly wants the reader to know that he was an eyewitness to Christ’s entire ministry. John, speaking of himself and of the other apostles, said, “We heard, saw, closely examined and touched Him.” John essentially said, “We witnessed the whole thing… the miracles, the crucifixion, the resurrection and the ascension…so, you can trust our account and believe!” That’s why John wrote. He wrote so that we might believe.
November 30, 2013
Confess – ὁμολογέω (homologeó) – literally “say the same,” to agree or admit. When we confess our sin to God it is not news to Him. He knows our sin already. Confession is agreeing with God that we have sinned, so that He can forgive us and cleanse us.
November 30, 2011
Confession is agreeing with God that our wrongdoing is sin. God already knows our sin. In confession we admit that we know it too. Having agreed with God on sin’s name, we can receive not only His forgiveness, but His cleansing as well.