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December 27th

The bible reading today are two short, one chapter letters from the apostle John...2 John and 3 John.

“The elder to the elect lady and her children, The elder is the apostle John...a leader and missionary in the church from the beginning...The elect lady and her children could refer metaphorically to the church in Asia. And her children could refer to church members in particular.

I lean toward the literal “Christian lady” and her sons and daughters...so John was writing to a friend in the faith whom it appears was a friend for some time.

Whom I love in truth, and not only I but also all who know the truth,”

John expressing his love and appreciation for this sister and her testimony of faith.

‭‭2 John‬ ‭1:1‬

Continuing in the text...“I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth. I want to believe that this woman led her children to Christ and they were walking in the truth of the gospel.

Perhaps she had other children who were not saved yet. Such as...they were very young and had not yet made a confession of faith in Christ...But either way, it is always noteworthy when the children of church members get saved.

Let us rejoice with those parents who have received grace for their children’s salvation...just as we were commanded by the Father.

‭‭2 John‬ ‭1:4‬

And John wrote a warning to this lady and her children...“Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ does not have God."

They are not saved...beware...Plain and simple...and when someone doesn't know Christ, we must be very careful to always prove what they say and teach using the bible as the standard for any doctrine taught.

Whoever abides in the teaching of Christ has both the Father and the Son. Awesome...But...If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching of Christ, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting,”

‭‭2 John‬ ‭1:9-10‬

We should bear testimony to Christ our Lord but we are not to show any appreciation for their message that is contrary to Christ’s gospel.

Now to John’s letter written to a man named Gaius...a beloved friend of John’s...

“The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom “I love in truth”.

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truthful life message in Christ, as indeed you are walking in the truth.

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”

‭‭3 John‬ ‭1:1-4‬

We read that John referred to Gaius as one of his spiritual children...someone that got saved under his ministry.

John said that when he heard that Gaius was still going on with the Lord (even during the Roman persecution of Christians), he was filled with joy.

I believe it because I have received grace from God to rejoice in the spiritual growth of men women and children who were converted to Christ through our years of ministry. Praise his name!

May our personal influence for Christ continue to grow in graciousness and love and joy!

Have a great rest of the day.