Coming to the Still Waters

Today's verses are 1 John 2:18-20, which read, 18  Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour. John continues to use this title to his readers that is of endearment (children) but also to give the assumption of him as the parent or the elder who has the responsibility to care for them (spiritually).  As a parent you warn your children of the dangers of the world.  "Look both ways before crossing the street and then look again."  "Don't talk to strangers."   John needs to tell them about "antichrists."   The word literally means "adversaries of the Messiah."   "Children, there are people out there who speak and act against Jesus." John makes a distinction that there is an antichrist that is coming at the last hour and there are antichrists that are here and have been here.  The antichrist of the last...

Today's verses are 1 John 2:15-17, which read, v.15 - Do not love the world nor the things in the world.  If anyone loves the world the love of the Father is not in him. John introduces another test of the genuine Christian and I can't help but think that Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6.24 which reads, "No one can serve two master; for either he will hate the one and love the other or he will be devoted to one and despise the other.  You cannot serve God and wealth."   Does the disciple sound like the teacher here?  John is making another statement that involves just two sides.  It is either one way or the other.  What is a love of the world and the things in the world?  I think the key word to look at here is not "world" but the word "love."   The word used here for love is the highest level of devotion to something or someone.  John is not saying that we should not take care of the world because that woul...

Today's verses are 1 John 2:12-14, which read, v.12 - I am writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven you for His name's sake. It might seem funny or odd being called "little children" but you have to remember who is talking to us.  This is John, one of the original disciples of Jesus who was in the inner circle with Him on many occasions.  This would be someone that early Christians would speak of in great respect and marvel at his commitment to persevere this long through pain, suffering, and persecution.  Maybe you have some "Johns" in your church who have been faithful followers of Jesus for so long and you won't bat an eye at them calling you "little children." John reminds them of something that we need to be reminded of everyday so that we live that day in light of it.  We have been released from the bondage of sin and that release (forgiveness) came through the life, death, and resurrection of ...