Deuteronomy 6:4-25
 
Monotheism is the faith in only one God. It was an unmistakable component of the Hebrew religion. Numerous old religions trusted in a large number of divine beings. However, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the God of the entire earth, the only genuine God. This was a significant knowledge for the country of Israel since they were going to enter a land loaded up with individuals who had faith in numerous divine beings. Both like back then, there are individuals who like to put their confidence in a wide range of "divine beings" today. But the day will come when God will be acknowledged as the only true God, and he will be the King over the entirety of the earth (Zechariah 14:9).
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This entry of Scripture is regularly said to be the focal subject of Deuteronomy. It sets the example that assists us with relating the Word of God to our regular routines. We are to adore God, ponder his precepts, show his edicts to our kids, and carry on with our life’s day to day by the rules in his Word. God stressed the significance of showing the Bible to our children. The church congregation and the Christian schools cannot, and should not, be utilized to escape from this obligation. The Bible gives such countless chances for learning and commonsense instructing that it would be a disgrace to concentrate on it just a single day out of a seven-day week. Everlasting facts are most successfully and viably learned in the caring climate of a home that fears and love God (Deuteronomy 4:35-39).
 
Jesus said that loving God with our entire being (heart, soul, and mind) is the first and most prominent commandment (Matthew 22:37-39; Mark 12:29-31; Luke 10:27). Joined with this commandment, the love our neighbor commandment (Leviticus 19:18), includes all of the laws of the Old Testament.

The Hebrews were incredibly effective at making religion an essential piece of life. The justification for their prosperity was that religious schooling was life-arranged, not situated on data orientation. They utilized the setting of the day-to-day existence to instruct about God. The way to showing our kids God is expressed essentially and obviously in these verses. On the off chance that we want our youngsters to follow God, we should make God a piece of our everyday existence. We should train our kids to see God in all parts of life, in addition to those that are connected with the church congregation (Exodus 12:26; Deuteronomy 4:9; Psalm 78:4-6).
 
Moses cautioned the Israelites not to fail to remember God when they entered the Promised Land and became prosperous. Thriving, more than neediness, can dull our spiritual vision, since it will in general make us independent and anxious to get even a greater amount of everything, aside from God. Exactly the same thing can occur in our congregation today. When we become fruitful as far as numbers (church membership), projects (church programs), and building structures, we can undoubtedly become more independent and less responsive to our requirement for God. This drives us to focus on self-protection rather than gratefulness and service to God (Deuteronomy 8:10; Joshua 24:13; Matthew 4:10; Luke 4:8).

Does the phrase “for our good always” imply that we can expect just success and not to endure suffering when we submit to God? What is guaranteed here is a right connection with God for those who love him with their entire being. It discusses a right connection with God and a definitive advantage of knowing him. It is anything but a sweeping assurance against destitution, difficulty, or languishing. We can have this right connection with him by submitting to his order to adore him with all that we are (Deuteronomy 10:12).
 
What is a primer?
The online Merriam-Webster dictionary gives the following definition: it is a small book for teaching children to read – (to teach regardless of age), a small introductory book on a subject or a short informative piece of writing, a compound used to ignite a spark – (needed to start a fire), or a base coat like paint– protective layer. So, with that thought in mind, how do we put this into context with the passage of Scripture from today’s message?

To enable every age to learn how to obey God and to set their expectations in him, God directed that his laws and acts be instructed to children and that they ought to be passed from age to age.  It is imperative for the next generation to learn not to continue with the same mistakes that the past generations have made (Deuteronomy 11:19). How are we passing on the works and Words of God?

This should not only apply to the physical age of people, but also to the spiritual age of people. In other words, not only should we teach the children but also the grown-ups. We need to provide learning of the Gospel to everyone. Young children learn to feed themselves, they learn to walk, and they learn to talk from their parents. We older Christians (in spiritual maturity), need to be teaching God’s Word to others.
 
Proverbs 22:6
“In the way that he should go” is in a real sense, as indicated by his (the youngster's) way. It is normal to want to raise each of our youngsters the same or train them the same way. This section infers that the parent’s ought to perceive the distinction and unique qualities that God has given to each child. While we ought not overlook or excuse self-will, every kid has regular tendencies that the parents can progress. By conversing with educators, different parents, and grandparents, we can more readily perceive and foster the singular abilities of every youngster.
There are many parents who want to settle on each of the decisions for their youngsters, yet this can harm them over the long haul. At the point when the parents show their youngsters how to make good decisions, they do not need to observe each progression that the children make. They realize that the youngsters will stay on the correct way because the kids have settled on the decision.
 
2 Timothy 3:15
Timothy was one of the primary second-age Christians. He did not become a Christian because of an evangelist lecturing a strong message, he became a Christian because his mom and grandmother showed him the Holy Scriptures when he was a little kid (2 Timothy 1:5). An evangelist's work is definitely significant; however, the parent's work is similarly, if not more, as significant. At home and in church, we ought to understand that teaching the little youngsters is both an open door and an obligation. Jesus wanted the young kids to come to him (Matthew 19:13-15). Like Timothy's mom and grandma, we are to do our part in directing the youngsters to Christ.

Numbers 21:4-9
 
When things get difficult and discouraging, many people will begin to whine, murmur, and complain. This is what the Israelites did throughout their journey through the wilderness. If they had only listened and obeyed God, they would not have been in the predicament that they were in. God had to continually give the Israelites instruction and chastisement to motivate them to listen, to understand, to trust, and to obey. Unfortunately, Christians of today act the same way as the Israelites did. You would think that the Christians in today’s society would learn from the lessons written in the Bible. But oh no that is not always the case, many must learn the hard way.
 
Up till now, this had not been the first time Israel griped and complained.

• In Exodus 14, the people complained because the Egyptian army was pursuing them.
• In Exodus 15, the people complained about bitter water.
• In Exodus 16, the people complained about food.
• In Exodus 17, the people complained about lack of water.
• In Numbers 11, the people complained about food again.
• In Numbers 13, the people complain about the spies’ report.
• In Numbers 20, the people complain about water again.

 
In verses 4-5:
We see that the people of Israel had to travel beside the Red Sea around Edom because Edom would not give the right of passage (Numbers 20:14-22). Now the Israelites are again complaining about the manna that was given to them by God. Why is it that although God supplies our needs, people want to complain? They were not necessarily complaining at Moses but rather they were complaining at God. They failed to see that it was their sin that caused this, and they tried to blame Moses.

In Psalm 78, we become familiar with the reason behind Israel's whining: they were not anchored with God, they would not comply with God's law, and they overlooked the miracles God had accomplished for them. Our grumbling regularly has its foundations in one of these negligent activities and perspectives. We need to manage the cause for our griping, that way it will not grab hold and develop in our lives.
 
In verses 6-7:
God utilized snakes to chastise the people for their unbelief and griping. There is an assortment of snakes in the Sinai desert. Some stow away in the sand and strike suddenly. Both the Israelites and the Egyptians had an incredible dread of snakes. The bite from a toxic snake frequently implied a moderate death with serious torment.

By God sending poisonous snakes into the camp as a judgment for the sins of the people, this revealed to them that they were the ones in sin. Then the people began to go to Moses and confessed their sin and asked for God’s forgiveness. So, Moses prayed for the people and was instructed to make the brass serpent on a pole. Moses previously had to intercede for the people when they made the golden calf (Exodus 32).
 
In verses 8-9:
At the point when the brass snake was held to the post, the Israelites did not understand the full significance Jesus would bring to this occasion (John 3:14-15). Jesus clarified that similarly as the Israelites were healed of their ailment by looking at the snake on the post, everybody can be spared from the infection of transgression by looking to Jesus' death on the cross (John 12:32). It was not the snake that caused the people to be healed, yet their conviction that God could heal them. Their belief was manifested by their compliance to His instruction. Similarly, we should keep on looking to Christ (Hebrews 12:2).

• Galatians 3:13, The Anointed One, the Liberating King, has redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. It was stated in the Scriptures, “Everyone who hangs on a tree is cursed by God.
• 2 Corinthians 5:21, He orchestrated this: the Anointed One, who had never experienced sin, became sin for us so that in Him we might embody the very righteousness of God.

 
For the people to be healed it took an act of faith in God. It was not because of the brass serpent. Unfortunately, many years later the Israelites turned that serpent into an idol of worship (2 Kings 18:4), which shows how easy it is for some people to take a tool or a person that God uses and turn it into something to worship. That is called idolatry and that is another sermon.
 
Conclusion:
The lesson here is about faith. Christ died for us. Either we look to Christ as our Savior, or we do not. It is that simple. It does not matter how many churches that we have attended or what church that we have joined, how many times we have been baptized, or any other act that we may have done. The only way to be saved is by believing in Jesus Christ and in him alone. It is not by works. What does God have to do or allow to happen to get our attention today? 

Exodus 3:1-12 (2)
 
This is the story of when Moses was tending sheep and saw a bush burning that was not consumed by the fire.
 
In verses 1-4:
What a differentiation between Moses' life as an Egyptian ruler and his life as a Midianite shepherd. As a ruler, he had everything accomplished for him since he was the renowned child of an Egyptian princess. As a Midianite shepherd, he needed to thoroughly take care of himself. He was holding the very work that he had been educated to disdain (Genesis 43:32, 46:32-34), and he lived as an obscure outsider. What a lowering encounter this probably must have been for Moses. Yet, God was getting Moses ready for an administrative role, that of a leader. Carrying on with the existence of a shepherd and a traveler, Moses found out about the methods of the individuals that he would before long be driving and furthermore about the life in the wild. Moses could not see this himself, yet God was preparing him to liberate the people of Israel from Pharaoh's grip.

God addressed Moses from an unforeseen source, that of a burning bush. When Moses saw it, he went to examine this phenomenon. God regularly utilizes startling sources while working in our lives as well. It could emerge out of other individuals, the various encounters we may confront, or even our thoughts. We must be willing to examine these opportunities and be available to any surprises God may present to us.

Moses saw the bush burning and talked with God (Acts 7:30-31). Many individuals in the Bible experienced God in some apparent form, not necessarily in a human form. Abraham witnessed a “smoking furnace” and a “burning lamp” (Genesis 15:17). Jacob “wrestled a man” (Genesis 32:24-29). When the slaves were liberated from Egypt, God led them “by day in a pillar of a cloud” and “by night in a pillar of fire” (Exodus 13:21). God showed up to empower his new country, to direct them, and to demonstrate the unwavering quality of his verbal message.
 
In verses 5-8:
At God's order, Moses took his shoes off and he covered his face also. The removing of his shoes was a demonstration of respect, conveying his own disgracefulness before God. God is friend to his people; however, he is likewise our sovereign Lord. To move toward him in a trivial way extends an absence of regard and truthfulness. When we come to worship God, do we move toward him nonchalantly, or do we present ourselves like a welcomed visitor before a lord? We ought to change or modify our disposition, so it is reasonable for moving toward the blessed God (Acts 7:33).

Joshua experienced a comparative encounter in Joshua 5:15 where he was likewise directed to eliminate his shoes because of a sacred place. God's sacredness can be related with specific land or area, the sanctuary, and even things related with individuals of the sanctuary. The wellspring of this blessedness is God, not simply the item, the area, or the actual substance. In the New Testament, the people who trust in Jesus as Lord become sacred and are called to live as ministers of believers in sacredness to God (1 Peter 2:5-9).
 
In verses 10-12:
In these next verses, God uncovers his commission to Moses as his representative, to lead the people of Israel out of their servitude in Egypt. God gives consolation in light of Moses' questions. God additionally recognizes himself utilizing phrasing which will be vital in both the Jewish and the Christian comprehension of God’s nature. As a name, God utilizes the expression “I AM,” demonstrating his timeless, uncreated, vital, outright being. This associates with the Hebrew expression YHWH, most frequently seen as LORD, Jehovah, or Yahweh. This equivalent stating will be utilized by Jesus in the New Testament.

Moses rationalized, or made excuses, on the grounds that he felt that he was deficient for the duty that God was telling him that he should do. It was normal for him to have that impression. This is a characteristic inclination, for he was deficient in his own merit. Be that as it may, God was not telling Moses that he would work alone. God offered himself as an asset, he would have Aaron, and he would have the ability to do miracles (Exodus 4:10-12). God regularly calls us to assignments that appear to be excessively troublesome, however he does not request that we do them by ourselves. God offers us assets, similarly as with Moses. We ought not take cover behind our insufficiencies, as Moses did, however, we should look past ourselves to the extraordinary assets that are accessible to us. Then, at that point, we ought to permit God to utilize our novel endowments.
 
How do we know if the bush is still burning? Is God still speaking? We need to listen to and listen for God’s voice. Maybe we do hear him, but our attitudes are not where they should be. Some of us may not even be willing to listen. Some of us may be talking so much that we cannot hear God speak to us. Many prophets told the Israelites to “Hear the word of the Lord” (2 Kings 20:16; 2 Chronicles 18:18; Isaiah 1:10, 28:14, 39:5, 66:5; Jeremiah 7:2, 9:20, 22:2, 22:29, 31:10, 34:4, 42:15, 44:24; Ezekiel 6:3, 16:35, 20:47, 25:3, 34:7, 34:9, 36:1, 36:4, 37:4; Hosea 4:1). Do we “hear the word of the Lord?” In addition, we do not need to exclaim, “What if there is no bush burning?” God will always use something to gain our attention, to get us to stop and listen to Him (Numbers 9:8; Matthew 11:15; John 8:43; John 10:27; Rev 2:7, 2:11, 2:17, 2:29, 3:6, 3:13, 3:20).

Genesis 6:18, Exodus 25:8, Revelation 3:20
 
What is or was the purpose of The Ark? How many Arks have existed?
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No doubt many people have heard about The Ark. But what is The Ark, really? Is it more than the Old Testament story about a man who built a boat and put a bunch of animals on it before a great flood? What is or was the purpose of The Ark? We will take a few moments to go back and see what we can find out about The Ark.
 
The First Ark.
In the book of Genesis, chapter six, we find the first account of The Ark. Man began to multiply, sin began to overcome the earth. God noticed that the wickedness of man was great, and every imaginable evil though was on the minds of man. This grieved the Lord, and he said that he would destroy man.

• Genesis 6:18, But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee.

 
However, by verse eight we see that Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. Noah was a just man and he walked with God. can the same be said about any of us in today’s society? Have we found grace in the Lord’s eyes? Are we just and walk with God daily?

God told Noah that man had become evil and that he would destroy man, but Noah had a job to do. Genesis 6:14, “Make thee an ark…” God gives Noah directions on what to use and how to build The Ark. The same can be said for us today. God has given us directions on what to do and how to do it, but how many of us have actually paid attention and are following those directions?

Genesis 6:18, “But with thee will I establish my covenant...” God has made a covenant with man and all creatures. This covenant is an agreement, an assurance the God would provide for man.

By chapter 8, the rain has fallen, the flood waters have risen and covered the earth. With the exception of Noah and his immediate family, and the animals that were brought aboard The Ark, all of humanity and living things on the earth have perished in the flood. The Ark finally came to rest upon dry land, and Noah and his family and all the animals from The Ark walked out to restart man-kinds existence.

So, what does this story tell us about The Ark? God designed it to provide protection for a just man and his family, as well as for the animals that would repopulate the earth. It was then sealed by the Lord (Genesis 7:16).
 
The Second Ark.
In Exodus, Chapter 25 through 31, God gives bearings for building the Tabernacle. Chapters 35 through 39 tell how these guidelines were done. In any case, what can every one of these old, development details show us today? In the first place, the superior quality of the valuable materials making up the Tabernacle shows God's significance and greatness. Second, the shroud encompassing the Most Holy Place shows God's moral flawlessness as represented by his detachment from the unclean and common. Third, the portability of the Tabernacle show's God's desire to always be with the Israelites as they journeyed (Exodus 25:8).

• Exodus 25:8, “And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.”

 
In Exodus 25:10, instructions are given on the making of The Ark. In most of the contents of the Tabernacle, including The Ark and the furniture, was made from the shittim wood, which is customarily known as acacia wood. The acacia tree was extremely hard which made for sturdy and magnificent furniture. Exodus 37:1-16, describes the actual building of The Ark.

The tablets on which the Ten Commandments were written, were place within The Ark. The Ark was intended to be an image of the presence of God amidst the Israelites. The lid was alluded to as the “Mercy Seat.” Every year a priest would enter the holy tent and sprinkle blood from a sacrificial creature to offer penance for the transgressions of Israel. This old-style covenant on the Day of Atonement is no longer required as Jesus Christ became the new covenant when he sacrificed himself upon the cross was an expiation for our sins and transgressions.

God would come to the Ark when the priests were there. Because of the holy nature of the Ark, it had to be carried with poles. No one could touch the place where God’s presence is. Why is that? God himself and his glory cannot be touched by sinful man. Only if the Holy Spirit resides within us can we even come near to the Throne of Grace.

In Joshua 3:1-17, the nation of Israel needed to cross the Jordan River. Joshua commanded the people that when they saw the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord being carried by the Levite priests, they were to follow it. In verse five the people were told to “Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”

In 1 Samuel 4, there is a war with the Philistines, and the Philistines capture The Ark. The Israelites appropriately perceived the sacredness of the Ark; however, they thought the actual Ark, the metal and wood box, was the wellspring of power. They started to utilize The Ark as a ‘Good Luck Charm'. They anticipated that it should shield them from their foes. An image of God does not ensure his essence and power. Their disposition toward the Ark came dangerously near that of idol worship. When the Ark was taken by their adversaries, they felt that Israel's magnificence was gone (1 Samuel 4:19-22) and that God had abandoned them (1 Samuel 7:1-2). God utilizes his power as per his insight and will.

In Samuel chapters 5-6, the Philistines took the Ark before their false god because they had thought that they had beat the God of Israel, but each morning their idol had fallen down upon its face. Their priests were plagued with tumors. So, they decided to return the Ark back to the Israelites. People died just for looking at it.

Eventually, king David took the Ark back to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 13). During the journey, the oxen had stumbled, and a man put his hand upon the Ark to steady it, but in doing so he died. Later in 2 Chronicles 5, Solomon had dedicated the rebuilt Temple, and The Ark was transferred into the Temple.
 
Is There a Third Ark?
Some may think of the baby Moses in a basket as a third Ark. At that time, the Pharaoh had commanded that the first-born male child to be killed throughout the land. Moses’ mother tried to find a way to save her newborn son. She knew that the Pharaoh’s daughter often came to the river to bathe, so to save her son, she placed him in a basket of reeds and placed him on the river. The Pharaoh’s daughter found him, knowing that death would come to him and having no children of her own, decided to save the child and bring him up as her own.

• Revelation 3:20, Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

 
Although the story of baby Moses is a good one, and yes it could possibly typify God’s grace, however, there IS a third Ark, however, it is not made with wood.

• Joel 2:32, And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call.
• Acts 2:21, And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
• Acts 8:37, And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
• Romans 10:13, For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

 
Many would allude to this as the Sinner’s Prayer. Just saying the words does not make it so. It is believing with all of your being, believing on the person of Christ, believing on the work of Jesus and what he has done for all of humanity. It is by faith that makes us the children of God (Acts 3:26; Galatians 3:26). We are justified by faith (Romans 5:1; Galatians 2:6). By grace are we saved through faith (Ephesians 2:8). Christ dwells in our hearts by faith (Ephesians 3:17).

When we have accepted Christ as our personal Savior, the Holy Spirit moves within us. So, does it not make sense that if Christ dwells in the hearts of every Christian believer, are we not therefore an Ark that carries the Spirit of Christ? What do you think?

Revelation 3:14-22
 
Flies do not land on a hot stove.
 
What does it mean to be a Church of Casual Christianity?  How does a church become casual?  Is it speaking of the church building or the church body?  Or does it refer to the church members, the individual Christians?
 
Look at the churches depicted in Revelation chapters two and three.

• Ephesus – Revelation 2:1-7, The Loveless Church
• Smyrna – Revelation 2:8-11, The Persecuted Church
• Pergamos – Revelation 2:12-17, The Lenient Church
• Thyatira – Revelation 1:18-29, The Compromising Church
• Sardis – Revelation 3:1-6, The Lifeless Church
• Philadelphia – Revelation 3:7-13, The Obedient Church
• Laodiceans – Revelation 3:14-22, The Lukewarm Church

 
Today we will focus on the last church in Laodicea.
 
Corrupting Malaise -
Laodicea was the most affluent of the seven cities, known for its financial industry, production of fleece, and a clinical school that delivers eye ointment. In any case, the city consistently had a problem with its water supply. At one time an aqueduct was worked to carry water to the city from underground aquifers, some hot springs. Yet, when the water arrived at the city, it was neither hot nor refreshingly cool. It was just tepid. It had become lukewarm. The church congregation had become as dull as the lukewarm water that came into the city.
 
Definition of Lukewarm –
There is a feeling or showing of little concern. There is a high degree of lack of intent or devotion. There is a lack of conviction in the heart. Being lukewarm starts within the individual then it spreads inside the church.

Tepid or lukewarm water makes for a sickening beverage. The congregation in Laodicea had gotten tepid and, in this manner, it had become offensive and repulsive. The believers did not represent anything. Aloofness and indifference had driven them into inactivity. By failing to do anything for Christ, the congregation had become solidified, hardened, and smug, and it was annihilating itself. God does not need nor want us to be cold, yet there is more expectation for a radical to atone than for a weak, in-name-only Christian who is independent and self-sufficient. Try not to fall into following God midway. Allow Christ to start up our faith and get us right into action.
 
Characteristic Marks –
Laodicea was known for its extraordinary riches; however, Christ advised the Laodiceans to purchase their gold from him (spiritual treasures). The city was puffed up and proud for its clothing and coloring industries, yet Christ advised them to buy white garments of clothing from him (his righteousness). Laodicea valued its valuable eye treatment that mended many eye issues; however, Christ advised them to get medication from him to recuperate their eyes so they could see the truth (John 9:39). Christ was showing the Laodiceans that genuine worth, true value was not in material belongings but rather in a right connection with God. Their accomplishments and possessions were worthless in comparison with the never-ending future of Christ's Kingdom.

• In our worship – public/private. How do we stand in these areas?
• In our wealth – public/personal. Do we lay up treasures in heaven or on earth? How do we measure up?
• In our witness – public/private. Are we too comfortable with our small group that we do not reach out? Have we lost the sense of other people’s eternal destiny? Do we risk ridicule and rejection by not sharing Christ?
• In our walk – lifestyle.

 

• 1 John 2:6, He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
•  1 John 1:6, If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth. 

God would chastise and discipline this tepid lukewarm church unless if they abandoned their lack of interest toward him. His motivation in discipline is not for punishment, however but to cause individuals to come back to him. Is it true that we are tepid in our dedication to God? God might discipline us to help get out of our uncompassionate demeanor, however he utilizes just loving discipline. We can keep away from God's discipline by gravitating toward to him again through repentance, worship, service, and examining his Word. Similarly, as the spark of affection can be revived in a marriage, so the Holy Spirit can reignite our zest for God when we permit him to work in our hearts and souls.

The Laodicean church was smug and rich. They felt satisfied yet they did not have Christ among them. He knocked at their heart's door, yet they were too caught up with appreciating common delights that they did not see that he was attempting to enter. The delights of this world - wealth, security and material belongings can be perilous on the grounds that their temporary fulfillment makes us apathetic regarding God's proposal of everlasting fulfillment. If we wind up feeling not interested in church, to God, or to the Bible, we have started to close God out of our lives. We should leave the entryway of our heart continually open to God then we will not have to stress over missing him knocking. Letting Christ in is the only hope for eternal peace.
 
Challenging Message –
Jesus is knocking on the entryway of our heart’s door each time we sense that we should go to him. He wants to have us fellowship with him. He wants us to freely open ourselves to him. He is patient and tireless in attempting to commune with us, not breaking and entering, however, but by knocking. He permits us to choose whether or not to open our lives to him. Do we purposefully keep his power and presence on the opposite side of the door? What is the condition of our Christian reputation? What is the condition of our repentance? (Revelation 3:16; 2 Timothy 3:5; Malachi 1:10)
 
A cold church is a dead church, but a hot church is alive.
 
A Church of Casual Christianity –
Chooses popularity over righteousness. It has profession but it has no power. It does not ask for forgiveness of sin. It is only saved from the consequences of sin. It is controlled by the flesh. Rarely shares the Gospel. Loves themselves more than others. Do not Fully Rely on God but rely only in their own plans.

1 John 3:15-24
 
The life of grace is the start and the first standard in the heart of a Believer. Those who have disdain in their hearts for their brother must be deprived of love. Jesus taught that hate is the same as murder. The life of Jesus, eternal life, cannot abide in us if we hate others. Do we detest any of our fellow Christians, or for that matter, anyone else? How can we say that we are a Christian if we have any hate in our hearts and do not have love for our fellow man?
 
In verses 15-16:
John repeats Jesus' words that anyone who loathes someone else is a killer and a murderer in his or her heart. (Matthew 5:21-22; John 8:44; Galatians 5:21) Christianity is in the heart; outward consistence alone is not sufficient. Harshness or harboring any ill will against somebody who has wronged you is an insidious disease inside you and will eventually annihilate you. We are to try not to let a base of harshness develop within us or in our congregation. (Hebrews 12:15)

Genuine love is an activity, not an inclination. Sacrificial and selfless giving is what love creates in us. The best demonstration of love that anybody can do is to give himself for other people. How might we lay our lives down for another? At times it may be simpler to state we will give our lives for others than to genuinely live for them, which includes putting the wants and needs of others first. Dying may seem easy but living for someone else is much harder.

Jesus instructed this rule of love in (John 15:13; John 3:16). We can also look at Romans 5:8 and Ephesians 5:2.
 
In verses 17-18:
These verses give a demonstration of how to set out our lives for other people. Christians must show their love, and one approach to do that is to give financial or material belongings to help address other people’s issues. This is strikingly like James' lessons (James 2:14-17). How obviously do our activities state that we genuinely love others? Is it true that we are as liberal as we ought to be with our money, time, and assets? We should offer what we have to the individuals who need it (Luke 3:11; 1 John 4:20; Romans 12:9).

That does not mean blindly giving anyone anything. We are to pray for individuals and let the Spirit guide us in how and what to give. One person may need a little bit of financial support but that does not mean that we continually fork over money every time they call.
 
In verses 19-20:
Many are apprehensive that they do not love others as they ought to. They may feel regretful on the grounds that they think they are not doing enough of what is needed to demonstrate the legitimate love of Christ. So, their conscience begins to irritate them. John had these individuals as a primary concern when he composed this letter. How do we get away from the biting allegations of our own conscience? We should not disregard them or justify our conduct; we should set our hearts to rest in God's affection. (Romans 12:9)

If we feel regretful, we ought to remind ourselves that God sees our hearts and our activities. Our conscience is not as strong as God’s voice of assurance. If we keep ourselves in Christ, he will not denounce us (Romans 8:1; Hebrews 9:14). If we are living for the Lord yet feel we are sufficiently bad, we should remind ourselves that God is greater than anything.
 
In verses 21-22:
We can come to God unafraid, assured that our requests will be heard, if our conscience is clear. John reaffirms the promise that Jesus gave, “Ask and it shall be given you” (Matthew 7:7). When we obey, we ask in accordance with God's will. This does not imply that we can have anything we want. If we are genuinely looking for God's will, there are a few solicitations that we will not make (Matthew 21:22; John 9:31; James 5:16)
 
In verses 23-24:
We are to believe on the name of Jesus and in his person as the Son of God. Believing on the name of Jesus signifies that we design our lives after Jesus, to be more similar to him by joining ourselves with him. Dwelling in Christ is a fundamental relationship that shows itself in Christians who keep three basic orders.

• Belief in Christ
• Love the brethren
• Live a moral life

The presence of the Spirit is not only spiritual but practical. His presence is verified in our conduct (Romans 8:9; 1 John 2:3; 1 John 2:5; 1 John 2:27).

1 John 3:8-9
 
What is victory and what does it mean? Victory is a conquest, a gaining of superiority in a contest, overcoming an enemy, success in a struggle, or to endeavor against odds or difficulties. Defeat is to suffer, a prevention of success, a loss of a contest, a failure, or to be overthrown.

At some point in our lives, have we ever felt the thrill of victory over something? Have we ever felt the pain and agony of defeat? Of course, we have.

Have we ever had hills to climb, rivers to cross, valleys to go through? Maybe there was something in our life that was a struggle. We fought for a while. Maybe we have given up because we lost hope. Or maybe we have said to ourselves, “Whatever happens, oh well.”

In this passage, John writes, that the person that dwells in Christ, proceeds not in the act of transgression. Denying sin is the incredible evidence of the spiritual association with the continuation in, and the saving grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He that does righteously is upright, and being a follower of Christ, shows his faith in his obedience and sufferings. Regardless, a man cannot act like the devil, and simultaneously be a disciple of Christ Jesus. A regenerated person should not sin as he did before he was born again. Why is that? Because Christ’s light that is in his heart shows the evil malignancy of sin, whereby he should oppose and hate sin. We should not serve or enjoy what the Son of God came to destroy.
 
We, as human beings, have time in our lives when we have regions and areas where old habits and temptations are difficult to overcome. These shortcomings give Satan a traction, so we must be vigilant and be prepared to manage them. Notwithstanding, assuming that we are battling with a specific sin, these verses are not aimed at us, regardless of whether we appear to continue to sin. John is not discussing individuals whose triumphs are as yet fragmented an incomplete. He is discussing individuals who continually make an act of erring and search for ways of supporting it and justifying their behavior.

Christians should not submit to our nature to sin. John brings up that Jesus came to remove the works of the Devil. This reflects closely to…

• Hebrews 2:14, Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.

 
Christians are to oppose the Devil…

• James 4:7, Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

 
Who will ultimately receive his appropriate judgment…

• Revelation 20:10, And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

 
So, what are these three important steps to finding victory over sin? First, we are to continually read the Word of God and seek the power of the Holy Spirit. Second, we are to run away from and escape any indecent longings and lecherous impulses (lustful desires). And thirdly, we are to look for the assistance from other believers, the body of Christ. That is the responsibility and accountability to other Christians, and the supplication and prayer of others.
 
“Doth not commit” and “cannot sin” means that the child of God does not deliberately try to sin, nor does he become unconcerned or indifferent with God’s moral and ethical law. All believers sin, but we should be continually striving to overcome any sin. Grace does not give us permission to sin. The people who sin without thinking twice, conviction, or change have no relationship with Christ at all. Nevertheless, even a saved Christian should pick that life of good over anything evil.

Being Born of God, is when a person has accepted Christ as his or her Lord and Savior, and then the Holy Spirit lives inside us and gives us Jesus’ new life. Being born again is a rebirth into a new family because we have accepted Christ’s death as the propitiation for our sins.

God pardons us and absolutely acknowledges us into this new family. The Holy Spirit gives us new personalities and hearts, he lives in us, and starts assisting us with resembling Christ. Our viewpoint changes as well. We have a psyche that is restored step by step by the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:22-24). So, we should start to think and act in a way that is different and opposite to our former lives (John 3:1-21).

“For his seed remaineth in him” refers to the children of God that are abiding in God. A new life was born within us so we should choose not make a practice of sin. Victory brings happiness, joy, and contentment. Defeat brings heaviness, sorrow, and pain.
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• Isaiah 43:18-19, Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
  
• Isaiah 41:10, Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
• Psalms 118:6, The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
• Ecclesiastes 3:1, To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
• Job 23:10, But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

 
 
Church Hymnal, page 120, “Victory In Jesus”
I heard an old, old story.
How a Savior came from glory
How He gave His life on Calvary
To save a wretch like me
I heard about His groaning.
Of His precious blood's atoning
Then I repented of my sins
And won the victory.
 
O victory in Jesus
My Savior, forever
He sought me and bought me.
With His redeeming blood
He loved me ere I knew Him.
And all my love is due Him.
He plunged me to victory.
Beneath the cleansing flood

1 John 3:1-3
 
1 John 3:1-3 features the astounding adoration that God has for us. In addition to the fact that He will call us His children, we really are His family. A portion of that change is prompt, however not all that we will become has been uncovered, yet. Only at the time when Christ returns will we see all that He has available for us. John additionally interfaces a relationship with Christ to unadulterated (pure) living. Verses 1-3 zero in on God’s affection, and how His adoration brings about people becoming the children of God.

Verse one lets us know what our identity is, God’s family (“sons of God”). Verse two lets us know who we are becoming, impressions of God. The remainder of the chapter lets us know what we take with us as we develop to look like God: triumph over transgression (1 John 3:4-9); love for the siblings (1 John 3:10-18); and certainty before God (1 John 3:19-24).
 
Our Position (“sons of God”)
This first verse makes a definite statement as to what we are, and in doing so it reflects a spiritual birth. We hold a title and as an heir to the King, we cannot be taken from Him (John 1:12). We may have a title while here on this earth, but if we are the sons of God, we hold a heavenly title. Which one is more important to us, our heavenly title, or a worldly title (president so & so, queen of whatever, CEO of this or that)? People should see Jesus in us in all that we do.

Turning into a child of God is viewed as an incredible indication of the adoration from God the Father. John explicitly specifies that believers are not just called “sons of God." As believers we really are God’s children, and as children, we are part of God’s family. This subject is intently associated with the expressions of John 1:12. The family of God are the people who receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and they have faith in him.
 
We are Peculiar (“the world knoweth us not”)
As part of the family of God our self-esteem is grounded on the certainty that God loves us and calls us his children. We are part of his family now, not only sometime later in life. Realizing that we are his family ought to urge us to live as Jesus did (Romans 8:14-17; Galatians 3:26-27, 4:6-7). We are different from the world. We are strangers in this world. We are a chosen few (1 Peter 2:9-10). The world does not understand our joy for it can only see the here and now, not what lies ahead. We may be in this world, but we are not to be partakers of it. Should Christians blend in and look like the world?

Individuals regularly base their self-idea on their achievements, however our relationship with Christ is definitely more significant than our positions, our victories, our abundance, or our insight. We have been picked (chosen) by God as his own, and we have been called to address him to other people. We are to recall that our worth comes from being part of God's family, not from what we can accomplish. We have worth as a result of what God does, not on account of what we do.
 
Our Potential (“we shall be like Him”)
Are we changing daily? Are we maturing in our walk of faith? (Romans 12:1-2) Are we truly striving to become more Christlike? On that day (“when he shall appear”), we shall be changed (“we shall be like Him”). There will be no more sorrow, no more grief, no more pain, no more disease, and no more death.

We all, as a whole, face constraints. Individuals who have physical, mental, or emotional impediments are particularly mindful of this. Some people might be visually impaired; however, they can see a better approach to living. Some people might be hard of hearing; however, they can hear God's Good News. Some people might be debilitated, yet they can stroll in God's adoration. Likewise, they have the consolation that those impairments are just impermanent. Paul lets us know that we will be given new bodies when Jesus returns, and these bodies will be without those impediments, never to die or to have any debilitating ailments. (1 Corinthians 15:49-52)
 
Our Purity (“this hope in him”)
The Christian life is a course of turning out to be increasingly Christlike (Romans 8:29). This cycle will not be finished until we see him eye to eye (1 Corinthians13:12; Philippians 3:21). Yet realizing that it is our definitive objective ought to persuade us to decontaminate (purify) ourselves. To refine (purify) means to keep ethically straight, liberated from the defilement of transgression. God purges (purifies) us as well, yet there is a move that we should make to remain ethically fit.

• 1 Timothy 5:22, Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.
• James 4:8, Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
• 1 Peter 1:22, Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

 
In being in line with God, we must humble our hearts to Christ, submit ourselves to His will, and commit our lives to Him. We should strive to become more like Christ. Do not fall for the worldly treasures of this life but lay-up treasures in heaven.

• Matthew 6:19-20, Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

 
Our Purpose
In being part of the family of God implies that we have a reason in this life that has timeless importance. As a part of the family of God, we are given profound spiritual gifts that we are to use to develop and reinforce the family, and that is the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12). As a member of the family of God, we have the obligation and prerogative to broaden out the summons to others to trust and believe in Christ and become members of God’s family with us.

• Matthew 28:19-20, Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

 
It is one thing to affirm that we know Christ and that we are in him. It is another to live a life that shows that Christ is our righteousness. It is impressive to realize that positionally we are in Christ and that we are acknowledged as the “beloved” (verse 2), however it is another thing to continue with a daily existence that is proportionate with that. John is letting us know that the method for perceiving who are our spiritual family members is by their lives and not their lips. A family trait for God the Father and his children is righteousness. And as a member of the family of God, we are to be an example of that righteousness.
​
Where is our position? Are we peculiar people? What about our potential and are we living a life of purity? And do we have a purpose? If not, then why not?

1 John 2:18-29
 
John is discussing the last days, the time between Christ's first and second coming. The readers of the first century of 1 John lived in those last days, thus do we. During this time, antichrists (false teachers who profess to be Christians and draw weakened individuals from Christ) will show up. Sometime before the world ends, one Antichrist will emerge that will appear extraordinary (Revelation 13, 19:20, 20:10). Notwithstanding, we do not have to fear these abhorrent individuals. The Holy Spirit shows us their wrongdoings, so that we will not be misled. However, we should show the Word of God plainly and cautiously to those weaker individuals that are among us so they will not succumb to these false educators.
​

• Matthew 7:15, Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

 
The antichrists were not absolute aliens to the congregation; they once had a place with it, yet they did not continue with it. John does not say why they left; obviously, their explanations behind participating in any case were off base. Certain individuals might be Christians for not exactly the best reasons. Maybe going to church is a family custom. Perhaps they like the social and business contacts that they make there. Or on the other hand, going to church is a long-standing tradition, and they have never halted to wonder why they started in the first place. What is our primary justification behind being a Christian? Except if it is a Christ-focused explanation, we may not actually have a place. We do not need to make do with anything less than the best. We can actually be familiar with Jesus Christ on a personal level and become faithful, dependable followers.

“But ye have an unction from the Holy One” implies that the Holy Spirit has placed himself upon us. At the point when we become a Christian, we receive the Holy Spirit. One way the Holy Spirit helps the Christian believer, and the congregation is by conveying the truth. Jesus is the Truth (John 14:6), and the Holy Spirit directs the believers to him (John 16:13). Those who are against Christ are likewise against his truth, and they have not allowed the Holy Spirit to work in their lives. At the point when the Holy Spirit drive us, we have a method for remaining against these bogus educators and the Antichrist. We ought to request that the Holy Spirit guide us every day.

• 1 John 2:27, But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

 
Obviously, the antichrists during John’s period were endeavoring to be faithful to God while denying and contradicting Christ. John solidly said that this is unimaginable. Since Jesus is God's Son and his Messiah, to deny him is to dismiss God's approach to uncovering himself to the world. An individual who acknowledges Christ as God's Son, notwithstanding, acknowledges God the Father simultaneously. The two are one and cannot be isolated from each other. Numerous cultists today call themselves Christians yet reject the divinity of Jesus. We should uncover these blasphemies and go against such lessons so those that are among us who may be weaker in faith do not surrender to their lessons.

It is possible that these Christians had heard the Gospel from John himself. They realized that Christ was God's Son, that he died for their wrongdoings and was raised to give them another life, and that he would return one day and set up his Kingdom in its fulness. Nevertheless, presently they were being invaded by educators who kept these fundamental teachings of the Christian faith, and a portion of the believers were at risk for capitulating to these bogus contentions. John urged them to hold fast to the Christian truth that they had heard toward the start of their walk with Christ. It is vital to fill in our insight into the Lord, to develop our comprehension through mindful study, and to show these facts to other people. Yet, regardless of the amount that we learn, we should never leave the essential certainties about Jesus. Jesus will forever be God’s Son, and his penance for our wrongdoings is everlasting. No truth will at any point go against these lessons in the Bible.
 
Christ vowed to send the Holy Spirit to instruct his believers and help them to remember all that he had taught them (John 14:26). Accordingly, Christians have the Holy Spirit inside them to prevent them from wandering off. Furthermore, they have the God-enlivened Scriptures, against which they can assess problematic lessons. To remain consistent with Christ we should follow his Word and his Spirit. We should allow the Holy Spirit to assist us with knowing lies from truth.

• Ephesians 1:13-14, In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
• Acts 1:5, For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
• John 3:16, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

 
Christ lives in us, and we additionally live in Christ. This implies that we place our all-out trust in him, and live as he wants us to. It suggests an individual, nurturing relationship. John includes a similar thought in John 15:5, where he talks about Christ as the Vine and believers as the branches.

• 1 John 3:24, And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
• 1 John 4:15, Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

 
One apparent confirmation of being a Christian is correct conduct (Matthew 7:15-23). Many individuals do benevolent acts (good works) however they do not have faith in Jesus. Others assert to have faith yet seldom produce any good works (acts of kindness). A shortfall in our faith or right conduct is cause for disgrace when Christ returns. Since genuine faith brings about good works, the people who declare to have faith and who reliably live properly are valid believers. Benevolent acts cannot create salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9), yet they are essential evidence that genuine faith has really happened.

• James 2:14-17, What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

 
Everyone should know the basics, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Jesus came to earth, born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, was crucified, and died, buried in a borrowed tomb, rose from the grave three days later, ascended unto Heaven, sits at the right hand of the Father, and will return one day to take his believers to glory. Some will try to change that and say that there is another way, but they are false. It does not matter what letters are behind their names, what school of theology or seminary that they attended. True believers must have attended KNEEOLOGY school, where they bowed on their knees and cried unto God “Have mercy upon me a retched sinner,” and accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.

When we accepted Christ as our Savior, we had to have heard the basic Gospel message preached, and that seed was planted. Therefore, we know of the Truth for it should abide in us. We are to hold on to that truth and share it with others. If someone tries to tell us something different, we need to go back to the basics, back to the beginning. “Something does not sound right, not like what I have heard before.” The truth that abides in us is the Word. Jesus is the Word, and therefore Jesus abides in us.

How are we to know if what the preacher or teacher is presenting is correct? Look It Up! False teachers are out to change you and to stop you from abiding in the Holy Spirit. Satan uses the false teachers to trick us. We are to be equipped to stand against the devil. Follow the Holy Spirit and seek God’s guidance. To know the truth better means that we need to get in the Book. God will reveal the answers to the questions that we may not understand. Pay attention to the Holy Spirit and listen to the Holy Spirit as it speaks. Heed the Word and read the Word.