Step Right | 1 John 2:6

“Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:6 NLT)   I have a problem when I walk with my wife. I always walk a little faster than she does. Every time we go out together, I find myself walking ahead of her. I have to stop and wait for her to catch up. I make …

What All True Believers Have in Common | 1 John 2:19

“These people left our churches, but they never really belonged with us; otherwise they would have stayed with us. When they left, it proved that they did not belong with us.” (1 John 2:19 NLT)   In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus delivered some sobering words to the people who followed Him: “Not …

A New Body | 1 John 3:2

“Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is.” (1 John 3:2 NLT)   Human ingenuity has devised countless ways to transform the human body. From plasti…

The Safety Net | 1 John 1:8

“If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth.” (1 John 1:8 NLT)   Visitors to San Francisco can’t help but be amazed at the architectural marvel that is the Golden Gate Bridge. But its beauty and innovation came at a tremendous cost. During the initial ph…

Real Love | 1 John 4:20–21

“If someone says, ‘I love God,’ but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their fellow believers.” (1 John 4:20–21 NLT)   One of the first…

In Good Company | 1 John 3:13

“So don’t be surprised, dear brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.” (1 John 3:13 NLT)   This week we’re going to focus on passages from the first epistle of John. And we’re going to start with one that addresses the topic of Christian persecution. I heard a story about some fish supplier…

Choose to Forgive | Genesis 50:19–21

“But Joseph replied, ‘Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.’ So he reassu…

A Question of Why | Job 23:10

“But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.” (Job 23:10 NLT)   “Why?” is a very popular question among God’s people. King David asked why his son rebelled against him and why the people of Israel stopped supporting him. Elijah asked why he was the only r…

The Problem with Envy | Matthew 23:12

“But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12 NLT)   A woman strolling on a beach noticed a man catching crabs. Every time he caught one, he placed it in an open bucket. “Don’t you need a lid on that bucket?” the woman asked. “…

Watch Out | Genesis 4:7

“You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.” (Genesis 4:7 NLT)   Years ago, my son Christopher was lying out in the sun at our house when he woke…