This is the only book in the Bible that is addressed to a woman. John writes it to address two things: encouraging Christians to walk in love with all people. Something that is sometimes very hard to do, especially when we are mistreated by them. And he encourages them to keep the right teaching. What we believe matters to God. Both of these things are signs of our relationship with God.

Onesimus was a slave in the first century world. In fact, he was a runaway slave. A crime that was punishable by death if the owner wished it so. But while he was running away from his owner, Onesimus met Paul and became a Christian. In doing so, his life was completely changed. Becoming a Christian causes change in the lives of people. And when we look at Christians, we need to look past their sins committed before coming to Christ, and instead see the new creation Christ has made them.

Calamity comes upon all kinds of people. For Israel at the end of their nation, the calamity that came upon them was a result of their sin. But the nation of Edom’s reaction to the calamity was disgraceful. Obadiah addresses how they acted towards Israel in the time of their calamity. And the judgment that came as a result of these act. There is a certain way we should act when others are facing hard times, and rejoicing over their hard times is not one of them.

When we understand our roles with government is to be the best model citizens, we ultimately get to the point of Allegiance. As Christians, we have a dual citizenship, A citizenship in the nation we live in and a citizenship in heaven. But what happens if those two nations are at odds with each other? Who gets our primary allegiance? The Kingdom of God is not a kingdom of this earth. And it is possible to live with this dual citizenship. The Story of Daniel and his friends show us how this is possible.

America. A great nation to live in. As Christians, we have a role to play. How are we to interact with the government? The Bible teaches a singular way in which we should interact. Check it out this week as we discuss the Role of Christians with any government.

A Look at Deuteronomy 6.

The ends scenes of the Bible is all about the final destination of Christians. The world ends with us going to the new earth to be with God for all eternity. The trials we face in this world is nothing when we compare them to being with God forever. And equipped with that knowledge, we should be able to face whatever is thrown our way.

Revelation 14-18 is one giant parable. And it is a parable about the way of the nations and culture of this world. And when we see the falling of culture around us and the weeping of the world for its fallen state, we also see the rejoicing of Christians. How you respond shows what side you are on. Which side are you on?

Why does it seem like the bad guys win? Revelation 10-13 tries to answer that question from three different perspectives. But ultimately the answer is this: while it may seem like they are winning, the end is still victory for God and his people.