The First Epistle of Timothy begins what are often called the "Pastoral Epistles," or letters written from Paul to Timothy when he was out on assignment. A good way to think about these epistles, is that they show us how we should behave, as both believers and teachers of The Word. Those who teach the word are held to a much higher standard than believers, and thus should be careful before accepting the mantle of teaching, or leadership. Paul begins by telling Timothy to oppose those who teach anything other than the truth, and gives several examples. Homosexuality is stated to be a sin, and homosexuality IS a sin. If you belong to a church that states or believes otherwise, leave... period. Why? They are not teaching you the Truth. Paul then re-emphasizes the truth that ALL CAN be saved, because Christ came to save sinners. One need only truly repent, and truly believe in the message of the cross to achieve eternal salvation; because salvation is through Faith in Christ alone. 🤠✝

In Chapter 05, John concludes his epistle with repeating the doctrine that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. There are three verses within the chapter that are controversial within the faith... I present the verses, then expound upon some of the different interpretations so that you may choose how the Spirit speaks to you, and thus you can make your own judgement! Great Chapter!🤠✝ 

In Chapter 04 John highlights our doctrine that Jesus is the Christ, and Son of God, and teaches ways to discern those that are false prophets (remember at this time was the growth of Gnosticism -- pretenders to the faith / false prophets / antichrists (lower case 'A'). John concludes his chapter with another emphasis on love. Great Chapter!!! 🤠✝

In 1 John Chapter 3, John clarifies that if you are truly Christian, and attempt to follow The Way, you are essentially an "alien" in this world, and do not belong. Children of God are distinguished between one another, because you can only be one OR the other. Excellent chapter! 🤠✝

John begins Chapter 02 by reminding those who may stray that Christ is the one and only advocate for our eternal salvation, and if you are not TRULY saved (many today are not), then you will not reach heaven. John reminds us not to love the world, for the world is not of the father, but love each other, for we are; and that if we follow His decrees, our reward is eternal life. Great Chapter! 🤠✝

1 John Chapter: 01 was written near the end of the Apostle's life. He was the "last man standing," and had become witness to a falling away from the True Faith, and the birth of what would become known as "Gnosticism" (from the Greek knosos - knowledge). So John attempted to bring the heretics back to the faith by going back to the basics. He began with his testimony of the life of Christ as a first-hand witness, described the Truth of the Father as light, purity, Holy, righteous, and then warned against attempting to hide your sins from the Father who sees all. Great little chapter!  🤠✝

Chapter 5 is the final chapter in the wonderful Epistle of James. He begins by rebuking those who have great wealth, and in their spiritual blindness either hoard that wealth, or use it to take advantage of the less fortunate while living in luxury and self-indulgence. He continues by stating that those facing trials and tribulations need to be patient, and stand firm in their faith using Job as an excellent example. James concludes by stressing the power in prayer of the truly righteous (using Elijah as an example), and states that true believers have a responsibility to those that have strayed from the true faith. Great Chapter! 🤠✝

In Chapter 04 of James' Epistle, he continues with his words of wisdom by stating that we must draw closer to God, or long to commune with Him. He concludes by reminding us not to judge others or to be egotistical. Great Chapter! 🤠✝

Another great Chapter from James, brother of Jesus! James begins with a warning about how a vile tongue leads to sin and shame, and that those who choose the mantle of teaching The Way, are held to much stricter standards than others. James ends this chapter by extolling on the virtues of true wisdom. Fantastic Chapter!! 🤠✝

In Chapter 2 of James, he states that prejudice / favoritism is a sin, giving both examples of, and an explanation of why. James then continues with Justification through works. We are saved by Faith and Faith alone, but our Faith is justified / proven / displayed through our good deeds. Awesome Chapter! 🤠✝