First John 3 begins with a command – Behold! The word translated “behold” is eido to know factually, to see with the eyes, to inspect. The phrase “what manner of” translates a word that literally means from what country or what sort of. Love is giving and sacrificial. God’s love is unusual! God commands us […]
When I was learning carpentry, my boss used to say, “Measure twice and cut once.” That advice has given me confidence time and again. In our text this evening, John commands us to abide in Christ so that we will have confidence when the Lord returns. We must make sure we are in right fellowship […]
We have all heard of the Antichrist that will deceive the world during the Tribulation, but in our text this evening, John speaks of man antichrists. It is important for us to know whom he was describing. The word “anti” means against. Thus, an antichrist is one who is against Christ or we could say […]
“Love not the world!” That makes no sense if it were addressed to unbelievers. Until a person is saved, he is addicted to the world. John is writing to Christians to warn them that loving the world conflicts with fellowshipping with God. Love for the world is the love God hates. Transition This evening I […]
Perhaps you have taken one of those bush walks where at every fork in the trail there is a coloured arrow attached to a tree as a reminder of the direction you must go to stay on your trail. Those small reminders are a great help. In our text this evening, John was not questioning […]
John Fawcett lived from 1740-1817. He spent 54 years as the pastor of a poor Baptist church in Wainsgate, England. His preaching and writings blessed many, including King George III. He penned the following hymn about Christian love. “Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love! The fellowship of kindred minds is […]
A few weeks back, Gerhard’s grandparents visited from the UK. I met them, but I cannot say that I got to know them. I did not really have any fellowship with them. I do have fellowship, however, with Gerhard. We have spent much time together and we know each other quite well. Fellowship with God […]
If you really know God as your loving heavenly Father, you should consider companionship with Him your greatest treasure. I heard of a father who had to be away from home for about seven months. On his return, he took his family to a shopping centre. Handing some money to his little girl, he said, […]
If you go camping and start a fire, that fire will always burn out if you do not maintain it by adding wood. The same principle is true in fellowship with God; it must be maintained. Transition We gain fellowship with God by walking in the light. We maintain fellowship with God by dealing with […]
None of us would ever be allowed to barge into the Prime Minister’s office without knocking, pull up a chair and say, “Hi, I came to fellowship with you over a cup of tea.” Guards would prevent such a visit. Why? Because that kind of fellowship with the Prime Minister has many requirements that we […]