You are my Lord!

"Tomas answered and said to Him, My Lord and my God." John 20:28

Sometime we forget that He is also our Lord. We often come to Him with thirst, when we are suppose to please Him and "satisfy" Him with our fullest. He is our Lord, the Lord of all.

We need loyalty to Jesus Christ. Do not follow the patent of the world because the world and its desire passes away and our God stands forever.

When we fight in battle, remember "we are not sent to battle for God, but to be used by God in His battle" Oswald C.

1 John 2:19

They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.

(v19, NIV)

I'm skipping verse 18, but I'll come back to it.

Here in verse 19, John addresses the case where people "went out from us". These people must have been prominent leaders or members of the church. However, for some reason they have left the church. These people who left probably left the faith or had some sort of problem with certain people or things going on in the church. Regardless, this may have caused some still in the church to be shaken. They may question wondering if people can lose their salvation or if you can somehow belong to God for a while and then cease to be one of his. People may have been worried for their assurance of salvation and fellowship with the Lord. However, John makes it plain that these who went out were not really of us. These people who left were never true believers and followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. The situation is not that they were once in the fellowship of God and no longer are, but they never ever were in fellowship with God in the first place. These people left, and their leaving proves that they were really never one of us. Alternatively, those who remain, they prove to be one of the flock. Remain in the Lord, run the race with endurance and stay strong until the end. It's not whether you begin well, but what matters is that you end well. End well, end strong and remain in him.

How to be a Man

Where are the men?

Men who can be trusted. Men who aren't afraid to tell the truth. Men who serve each other, who aren't selfish, but know getting the job done requires teamwork. Men who keep their word. Men who respect women. Men who know their responsibilities. Men who own up to their faults. Men who don't fake the funk, but are confident. Men with self control. Men who don't need to talk game, but who's actions speak for themselves. Men, that a child can look up to. Men a woman can look up to. Men a wife can trust. Men who know how to be a loving father. Men who know how to be a loving husband. Men who don't break under pressure. Men who don't run under pressure. Men who don't whine or complain. Men who speak positive words to encourage their fellow man. Men who don't say evil about each. Men who aren't defeated by their problems. Men who can control their tongue. Men who are faithful to their wives. Men who are faithful to God.

Where are the men?

Take your claim, act like a man.

Anyone else notice all these grown little boys running around?

Speaking lies for a profit, or a woman. Leaving their marriages because they can't handle their wives. Little boys who can't keep their word in marriage. Little boys who aren't faithful. Little boys with no self control. Little boys who can't keep a job, not because of the economy, but because they are irresponsible. Little boys who don't respect authority. Little boys who are lazy and selfish. Little boys who fight like they're in the school yard. Little boys who say means things. Little boys who talk too much. Little boys who can't be trusted. Little boys always complaining. Little boys living for God and game. Little boys who depend on their gold chain, and emo haircut to be cool. Little boys who don't respect women. Little boys who are a slave to their fix. Little boys who can't see a women as more than an object. Little boys who want to have sex, but run when they hear baby. Little boys who crack and run under pressure. Little boys who drink too much and act immature.

A society without men cannot raise men. Men lets help raise these grown little boys and encourage them to become men.

http://spokenthruscott.xanga.com/726199927/how-to-be-a-man/

1 John 2:17

The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

(v17, NIV)

Love God and love one another. Do not love the world or the things of the world. Loving the world is opposite to the love of God. Besides, why would you want to invest yourself into the world? The world is passing away. People who invest in things or buy stocks maybe buy stocks they expect to increase. They don't buy stocks they expect to decrease. In the same way, why would you invest yourself and your love into the world? The world and its desires pass away. However, the man who does the will of God lives forever. In God and his will is where you should invest yourself into.

1 John 2:15-16

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

(v15, NIV)

The instruction given here by John is plain and simple. Do not love the world or anything in the world. However, it is so easy to be taken in by the world or things in the world. The latest gadgets or the newest fad or whatever everyone seems to be into. Do not love these things. John isn't saying to you can't touch or use or see the things of the world. We are here on this earth living here for the time being. Do not love those things.

I picture someone who is addicted to smoking. Everyone knows they're bad for you. I think that the boxes are required by law to provide warnings on the labels about how bad cigarettes are for your health. So, this person I am picturing knows that they're bad for you. In this picture, the person's friend approaches him about quitting smoking, saying that he's addicted. The smoker quickly responds by saying, "I'm not addicted, I could quit anytime". However, when you grab his pack of cigarettes form his hand and toss them into the garbage, then you will see whether he truly is addicted to them or not. At that point you will see whether he truly loves cigarettes or not.

The result of loving the world or the things in the world is that the love of the father will not be in that person. So, how do we know that the love of the father is in us?

But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him:

(v5, NIV)

Obeying his word results in God' love being truly made complete in us. Obey what he says and listen to what he says. Obey his word. We are to love God and have no idols before him. If you love something of the world, is God truly the one you love with all your heart? This love you speak of is not from God and is not of God.

For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world.

(v16, NIV)

There are these many dirty sinful things that come from the world. These things do not come from the father. How can you have love for this in you and still have love for the father? It does not make sense. God is light and in his is no darkness at all. How can his love be in you when there is such darkness in your heart?

How do I know God loves me?

Moo and I had some discussion on how to share the gospel to those who has never heard the bible last night. I know that the main message from the bible is God loves us, but our question was, how do we explain to the lose so they would know that God loves us?

I found it is really hard to explain God's love in logic or even in word. We explain love by action and in truth.

"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." (1 John 3)

What does it mean by love another in truth? I think God is so awesome, the next morning (a moment ago), I received an email from Rick Warren, and part of the email provides a lots of verses and evidence from the bible that explain God's love to us. That's what it means by love one another in truth. We love one another based on the truth from the bible.

Here are the evidence shows how do I know God loves me.

-God says he loves you (Psalm 145:9);

-You're never out of his sight (Psalm 139:3);

-He cares about every detail of your life (Matthew 10:30);

-He gave you the capacity to enjoy all kinds of pleasure (1 Timothy 6:17b);

-He has good plans for your life (Jeremiah 29:11);

-He forgives you (Psalm 86:5);

-He's patient with you (Psalm 145:8);

-He sacrificed his Son for you (Romans 5:8).

1 John 2:12

I am writing to you, little children,

because your sins are forgiven for his name's sake.

(v12, ESV)

John gives the reason for why he is writing to those who are in the group categorized by "little children". The reason he writes to them is because their sins are forgiven for his name's sake. With regards to the many times in which John addresses "little children" throughout this letter, we can keep this reason in mind.

My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

(v1, ESV)

In verse 1, John addresses "little children". Here, he gives another reason as to why he is writing to them. However, this reason is closely linked to the reason given in verse 12. To not sin and to have your sins forgiven is similar. If your sins are forgiven, it does not make sense to continue in sin. Some may say that, and Paul addresses those people in his letter to the Romans. We have an advocate with the father. If someone is speaking in your defense, does it make sense for you to continue in sin? Let's just say that there was a trial taking place because you were accused of illegally downloading child pornography. Maybe you have a friend who is speaking in your defense, saying that you would never do that and they could vouch for your innocence. It would not make sense for you to open your laptop and begin viewing child pornography while your friend is speaking in your defense. You immediately prove yourself to be guilty worthy of whatever punishment you are trying to avoid in this trial. Jesus speaks in our defense to the father. If we are continuing in sin so that grace may increase, then why would he defend us or why would we even be let free of the charge? It doesn't make sense, do not continue in sin.

With that in mind, some may say that you can't sin at all, and if you do you are forever condemned to hell. Well, first of all, the end of chapter 1 addresses those who say we are without sin by nature or by conduct. In addition, the very verse in question, chapter 2 verse 1, deals with the case of if someone does sin. We have an advocate who speaks on our behalf.

And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him.

(v28-29, ESV)

The next time John addresses "little children" is here in verses 28 and 29. Little children are to abide in him. Our sins are forgiven, so our filthiness is no longer cause for shame before God because of our sins. If our sins are forgiven and we have Jesus' imputed righteousness, then we may have confidence before God. This happens when we abide in him. This is closely linked to the next time John addresses little children, which is in chapter 3.

There are a number of different places where John addresses little children in this letter. In addition, he also addresses "children". These little children I am assuming are true believers and followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. These little children have their sins forgiven. This does not only apply to little children, but to all who have repented and turned from their sins to the Lord Jesus Christ. Take heart in knowing that our sins are forgiven and are blotted out, only to be covered by the savior's blood. We receive his righteousness and can come before the father in confidence. We do not continue in sin, but abide in him.

2 Chronicles 8-10

Here talks about again the wisdom and wealth that God has given to king Solomon for His glory. We see that king Solomon is faithful to the resources that God has given. He tried his best to build and construct the cities for Israel. He is also a good manager to his servants. In business, those are also the most important factor to be success, however not much people is following this in this world anymore. Think about it. if you follow God, He will give you wisdom to handle situations, and the main goal of all is to win people's soul, is to love, because love comes from God, and by love, people will see the light through whatever we do.

1 John 2:12-14

I write to you, dear children,

because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.

I write to you, fathers,

because you have known him who is from the beginning.

I write to you, young men,

because you have overcome the evil one.

I write to you, dear children,

because you have known the Father.

I write to you, fathers,

because you have known him who is from the beginning.

I write to you, young men,

because you are strong,

and the word of God lives in you,

and you have overcome the evil one.

(v12-14, NIV)

This passage is quite interesting. Here, John is addressing three different groups of people. He addresses little children, fathers and young men. However, he addresses each group twice. Well, the second time he addresses little children, he says "children" instead of "little children". What's also interesting is that John is somewhat repetitive in what he addresses each group about. He repeats what he says to the fathers. Also, when he addresses the young men the first time, he repeats that instruction but adds others as well. Often in scripture, repetition is used as emphasis. Sometimes when you are talking to someone, you may repeat certain things to ensure they are heard or their importance is acknowledged. This may be why John repeats himself in this passage.

The many different things John speaks to specific groups are quite interesting. Why would he say certain things only to certain groups of people? The things he says could be applied to anyone and are not limited to those specific groups of people. However, this intimate address of something specific may have been because of his closeness with those he was writing to. He may not have wanted to simply say a bunch of things in general for everyone. He had particular words for particular people who were on his mind and in his heart. We are the same way. We don't speak to everyone the same way with the same things. We have particular things to say to particular people.

2 Chronicles 5-7

(God reply to king Solomon's prayer) "When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." (7 v13)

We have to acknowledge that God is the all powerful-one and He can do all things out of love. He is also the all-knowing one, He knows our heart, so that we may be fear and walk in His way, which His way is light and not burdensome. We pray and actively seek His face, and He gives healing to us.

"And as for you, if you will walk before me as David your father walked, doing according to all that I have commanded you and keeping my statutes and my rules, then I will establish your royal throne, as I covenanted with David your father, saying, 'You shall not lack a man to rule Israel." (v17)

What is God's rules and commands, it is to love God in all our heart and mind and will. Because He loves us first, so we know how to love others, because we have God in us, and God is love. Love overcomes sin. Love is a powerful, and when you love, "you shall not lack a man to rule".

John Rushcan once said, "When love and skill come together, expect a masterpiece."

1 John 2:11

But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him.

(v11, NIV)

John continues this analogy by revisiting the person who hates his brother. Regardless of whether he claims to be in the light or not, this person is in the darkness. Not only is he in the darkness, but he is walking around in the darkness. If it's late at night and its dark, what is it like to be walking around in the darkness? Or, if you're in a dark room with the lights off, what is it like to walk around in that dark room? It is difficult to see when you walk in the darkness. If you are walking, it is difficult to even see where you are going. You may easily bump into things and you will probably continue to bump into things. This is what happens when you are in the darkness. Do not be like these people.

Assurance of Prayer

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him." (1 John 5:14-15)

The word "if" is very important I found. It implies an active action. You have to ask God, pray for the needs concern about the kingdom. One of my best weakness is prayer. I doesn't earnestly pray to God for healing, for salvations of others. Yes, the Holy Spirit lives in me and do His works on others, but I also need to pray for the spiritual needs for myself and others. And the assurance from God is that He will answer, whatever we ask, IF we ask.

When trouble, we learn to pray to God again. Prayer is powerful, and this is one powerful way to experience God. I need to pray! Prayer at work, not human wisdom.

1 John 2:10

Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble.

(v10, NIV)

The opposite of hating your brother is to love your brother. The result of hating your brother is that you are still in darkness. However, if you love your brother, you live in the light. You are no longer in the darkness but have progressed from the darkness to the light.

Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling.

(v10, ESV)

John continues to say that there is nothing in this person to make him stumble. The person who abides in the light has nothing in him to make him stumble. The ESV says that in him there is no cause for stumbling. Well, if you abide in the light, the light and the truth is in you. If there is light and truth in you, what in you can cause you to stumble? God is light and in him is no darkness. Since there is no darkness, in you is no cause for stumbling.

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.

(1 John1:8-10, NIV)

We know that none of us is perfect. Looking back at chapter 1 of 1 John, truth is not in those who claim to be without sin in conduct or by nature. This is true for both those in the light and those who are not in the light. However, we have an advocate who speaks on our behalf. So, what does it mean that there is no cause for stumbling in those who are in the light? Well, the light is inside these people, so how can they lead lives of darkness? Those who abide in the light have their overarching direction and path of their life as light and not darkness. These people will not exhibit a continual path of darkness. These people will not continue to stumble over and over again, worse and worse, leading to destruction. Instead, these people have no cause for stumbling because the light is in them. The light shines and brings light to all. Darkness cannot abide in the light and so it is extinguished.

1 John 2:9

Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness.

(v9, NIV)

This time the contrast is between loving your brother and hating your brother. If you don't have any brothers, you're not necessarily immune to this. The "brother" being referred to here is your brother in Christ. These are other believers that John is referring to. So, there are two options, you either hate your brother or you love your brother. These two options are together with the claim to be in the light.

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.

(1 John 1:5, NIV)

If you recall from chapter 1 of 1 John, God is light and in him is no darkness. God is light and the claim is to be in him. Do you claim to be one of his? Do you think that he knows you and are in fellowship with him? If so, you'd better check to see whether you hate your brother or love your brother. If you hate your brother, then you are in darkness. Your claim to be in the light is contrasted with the reality that you are in the darkness. These are two complete opposite states. You are either in the light or in the darkness. In addition, there is no darkness in God. Your claim is to be in the light, to be in God. However, there is no darkness in God. Therefore, if you truly are in the darkness then you have no part with God.

So, why is it that loving your brother or hating your brother determines whether you are in the light or not?

We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.

(1 John 4:19-21, NIV)

Later in chapter 4 of 1 John, a similar contrast is made between those love their brother and do not love their brother. These people say they love God, but this cannot be true if they don't love their brother. It doesn't make sense for those who claim to love God yet do not love their brother. These two do not match up and both cannot be true. Therefore, your claim to love God is a lie.

However, coming back to chapter 2 of 1 John, there is a more prominent reason why this makes sense. John has just finished talking about this commandment which is both old and new. The commandment is to love one another, following in Christ's example. It's not explicitly stated here, but we can gather enough information from what John says in his letters and in his gospel account.

What's interesting is how all of what John is writing all connects and is linked to truth and light and love. The truth in the command to love one another is seen in Jesus and in those who follow it. Those who obey this commandment are not lying when they say that they know him. Therefore, the truth is in him. In addition, the truth is not in you if you claim to be without sin. This also applies if you claim to have fellowship with God yet walk in darkness. Truth and light go together. In the same way, lying and darkness go together. You cannot be in the light yet speak lies. Similarly, you cannot be in the darkness yet speak the truth. These are the contrasts of the things John has been talking about.

The command John was just talking about is the command to love one another. If you are not following that command, you do not love your brother and are instead hate your brother. Those who disobey Jesus' commands cannot claim to know him without lying. By doing so you are walking in darkness. Therefore, those who hate their brother are walking in the darkness; these people cannot claim to be walking in the light.

Added: Here, John addresses those who say they are in the light. If these people hate their brother, they are in fact still in the darkness. Their claim to be in the light is wrong. They claim to be in the light, but they are in fact still in the darkness. The word "still" implies that those who are in the light used to be in the darkness. There is a progression from darkness to light, but these who hate their brothers have not made this progression and are still in the darkness. In addition, "still" is referring to now. So, currently, they are in the darkness. However, that doesn't mean that they will remain in the darkness. There is the possibility that though they are currently still in the darkness, they may not remain in the darkness.

1 King 9-12

God is wisdom

King Solomon considered as the most wisest man on earth because he obeyed the Lord. He received wisdom from the Lord, and as result his kingdom was built. Even other nations amazed of what God has done through Solomon.

Under God's construction, Solomon's kingdom was organized, unique, justed, beauty. They had good relationships with other's nations. They started to do fair trading with other. All these are pleasing to God, and God likes it.

Be careful to the one you love: woman

Woman to me is a symbol of beauty and intelligent. Man is designed to love woman, and woman is designed to help man. However, in the way, if man is not careful, woman instead to be our helper, they can turn us away from God.

Again and again in the bible shows us that the greatest method how the evil one deceive the Godly man is through woman. From Adam, to king David, to now king Solomon.

One Godly woman is enough in our life. Don't be greedy, and if you get one, try the most effort to stay away from other woman. This is just being responsible to yourself, your family, your wife, and all in all God who gave you all things.

Freedom and consequences

God never control our hand and stop us from doing. The way how God instruct us is giving all the instruction to us, because He loves us, and he give us freedom to obey or not. For his burden is easy, and through His holy spirit, we CAN overcome sin, but if we fail, there are also consequences, because God is justice, even God is also kind and loving.

Also, listen to wise Godly old man. young people. They will not want to harm you, and this is also a wisdom from God. Don't follow Rehoboam, son of Solomon's example, and listen to his unwise peer. They seems to be friend to you, yet they can be your enemy.

1 John 2:7-8

Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. 8Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.

(v7-8, NIV)

So, this command being given is both old and new. It is old because those John is writing to have already heard this command before. They have either heard it in the beginning of their walk with Christ, or they have heard it at least in the gospel according to John. The command to love one another is also a new commandment. It is new because Jesus' demonstration of love is new. Never before has anyone done or displayed love as Christ has done for us. This is a new example for us to follow. We are followers of Christ, and so we are to do as he does. In following his example, we love each other differently as well, since we have a new example to follow. As John says, its truth is seen in him and you. This new command is seen in Jesus and seen in us as we follow Christ's example.

There is a light that is brought into the world by Jesus. This light or hope that is shone into this world is the hope that we have in him. This new example of love and sacrificial work of Christ is already shining. It's not something that needs to come to pass; its effects do not begin in the future. Instead, the light is already shining. We no longer live in darkness, but the light of Christ is already shining. So live out the truth of this command. The light shines in both Christ and in us. Love one another.

Added: What's interesting is that previously, John talks about obeying his commands. If you say you know him, you should obey his commands. If you don't, you're simply a liar; you don't actually know him. Now, here in verse 7 and 8, he talks about this command. They should listen and obey this command if they want to continue to claim to know Jesus in light of what John recently said. This command is originally from Jesus, so it's not just some command John is making up.

1 Kings 8

All that God cares in our life is to honor Him in whatever we do, and love Him in all our heart and soul and mind, and no worship other gods (sins). If we follow God all til the end, His blessing will fill us, and people will know God through the people who love God.

"May the Lord our God be with us as he was with our ancestors; may he never leave us or abandon us.

May he give us the desire to do his will in everything and to obey all the commands, decrees, and regulations that he gave our ancestors...Then people all over the earth will know that the Lord alone is God and there is no other...May you always obey his decrees and commands, just as you are doing today." (V 56-60)

“I have heard your prayer and your petition....As for you, if you will follow me with integrity and godliness, as David your father did, obeying all my commands, decrees, and regulations,

then I will establish the throne of your dynasty over Israel forever. ... and if you serve and worship other gods, then I will uproot Israel from this land that I have given them. I will reject this Temple that I have made holy to honor my name. I will make Israel an object of mockery and ridicule among the nations....

...They will ask, ‘Why did the Lord do such terrible things to this land and to this Temple?’

“And the answer will be, ‘Because his people abandoned the Lord their God, who brought their ancestors out of Egypt, and they worshiped other gods instead and bowed down to them. That is why the Lord has brought all these disasters on them.’” (Chapter 9 3-9)

1 John 2:8

Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.

(v8, NIV)

This is a bit weird. First, John tells us that this command is an old command. The command to love one another is the same command Jesus gave. In addition, those he is writing to have already heard this command. It's weird that John also says that it's new. How can this command be both old and new? Well, it's new because we now have a new example of love. This new example of love is Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross for our sins.

This command has already been heard before. However, it is a new example shown to us by Christ. It's not simply a command given to follow. It is a command given, and Jesus shows us how to follow it. Follow Christ and his example. We are followers of him. This is a new command with a new example.

1 Kings 6, 7

(I am back)

These two chapters describe the details when the Temple of the Lord was build by king Solomon.

As a human, we build thing all the time in our life; it could be family, or career.

But as a Christian, we are called to build the kingdom, to make disciplines, to love your God with all our hearts and soul and mind, and love others. This is a process to make; it could be a long and tough journey.

“Concerning this Temple you are building, if you keep all my decrees and regulations and obey all my commands, I will fulfill through you the promise I made to your father, David. I will live among the Israelites and will never abandon my people Israel.” (ver12, 13)

Hold on to what you have in God, and keep the good fight.

1 John 2:7

Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard.

(v7, NIV)

The commandment which is given here is an old one. His readers may think it's a new one, but John is telling them that this command he gives is actually an old one. Even when they first began following Jesus, they heard this command. This command is the command to love one another.

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

(John 15:12, NIV)

This is a command Jesus gave. In addition, this is quoted from the gospel of John, the gospel account of Jesus that John himself wrote. To those he is writing, they may have also heard this command from Jesus himself or heard it from John's gospel account of Jesus. In addition, Jesus is our example for love. Jesus loved us. As followers of Jesus, we are to imitate him and walk as he did. He loved us; let us love others as he loved us. He died on the cross for our sins, displayed his love for us in his sacrificial death on the cross. This is love.

Love one another. This isn't a new thing, you have already heard it. Since you have already heard it, when John talks about it, it's nothing new. John is simply reminding us about it. Heed his words and listen to this command. Love one another.

1 John 2:5-6

But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.

(v5-6, NIV)

John has been talking about this same idea for the last few verses. There is a test to see whether we are in him. The test is that whoever walks as Jesus did can claim to live in him. In previous verses John talks about knowing him and following his commands. Here in verse 6 it is slightly different. This time it's not only obeying what he said but we must walk as Jesus did. In addition, it's not only a claim that we know him, but a claim to live in him. Both of these seem to take it a step further. The claim to know him referred to in verse 4 is beyond simple knowing as you would know an acquaintance. However, to live in him goes beyond the type of knowing that John is referring to. Obeying what he commands is the requirements or test of truly knowing him, but the test for the claim to live in him is to talk was Jesus did. It's not only obeying, but it's walking as he did.

Walk as Jesus did. Truly follow his way of life. Do not simply obey the letter of the law, but the intent of the law. Do not serve simply in obligation, but with a true heartfelt desire. Are we not followers of the Lord Jesus Christ? Then let us live like ones and walk as he did.

1 John 2:5

But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him:

(v5, NIV)

Something happens when a person obeys his word. The thing that happens is that God's love is truly made complete in this person. In the notes, it can be alternatively translated as love for God. The love for God is made complete in this person who obeys his word. This means that the love for God is not complete if a person does not obey his word. From this I gather that those who do not obey his word do not completely love God.

God loves us and he tells us things that we should do. He tells us these things because he loves us. He knows what's best for us, and so he tells us things to do or guidelines to follow to result in what's best for us. Do you think God loves you? If you do, you will follow what he says. By doing this, God's love is made complete in you. Your love for God is made complete. It shows you love God and it completes the cycle of love. God loves us and we love God back.

I seem to have equated his word with his commandments. The word is the word logos which, is used throughout the bible. In chapter one, John mentions the word of life. The word encompasses more than just his commands. It's his all encompassing message, not just his practical commandments we are to follow. Regardless, follow Jesus and complete God's love in you.

1 John 2:4

The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

(v4, NIV)

As John has just stated, we know we have come to know him if we obey his commandments. Therefore, if someone claims to know him but doesn't obey his commandments, he is a liar. This is simply addressing the opposite of John's previous statement. There must have been many false teachers who were claiming to know Jesus, but not doing what he commands. Whatever gospel they are preaching is a false gospel, since the truth is not in them. If the truth is not in them, they are liars and they deceive those who follow them.

It's interesting how many people claim to know Jesus or claim to be followers of Christ but don't even do what he commands. If they actually took time to know Jesus and find out what he is about, they'd realize that there's a lot more to him than just claiming to know him. You could claim to know Jesus all you want, but you don't really know him if you don't obey what he commands.

1 John 2:3

We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands.

(v3, NIV)

This is the test to see if you have come to know him. Many say that they have come to know Jesus Christ. However, those who have come to know him are the ones who obey his commands. If you don't even do what he commands, you don't really know him. Only those who obey his commands are those who know him.

Some may argue that you don't need to obey someone in order to know him or her. Just because you don't obey what they command doesn't mean you don't know them. That's true, but it's different in this case. It's a different story with Jesus.

In the last two verses, John was addressing sin in our lives. We shouldn't sin and John is writing to us that we will not sin. However, even if we do sin, John reminds us that Jesus Christ is the one who speaks in our defense to the father. He is the one who paid for our sins. In light of this, verse three seems to refer to those who claim to know Jesus as those who Jesus defends and pays for with his atoning sacrifice. So the word "knowing" that John refers to is not simply knowing as you would know an average co-worker or as you would know an acquaintance. Instead, this means knowing him in such a way that he would be willing to pay for our sins and receive God's full wrath in our place.

The word for "know" here is not the word for head knowledge. Instead, it is the word for experiential knowledge. The way in which you know or experience Jesus is you obey his commands. We are followers of Jesus Christ. If we do what he commands, we are walking in a way which is in line with his teaching. In that sense, we are experiencing the life he wants us to experience. Now, this is beginning to sound like a restrictive conforming life that is within the bounds of what is boring. Let me tell you, God is all knowing and all powerful and he is good. He only wants whats best for us. If you listen to him and obey his commandments, you are following what he thinks is best for us, not what you think is best for us. Would you rather take the advice of someone who wants what's best for you and is all knowing? Or would you rather take your own advice, someone who is not all knowing. In addition, we are narrow minded and not always looking to future benefits but instead thinking of what will satisfy us for the next 10 seconds. If you know him, you will obey what he commands.

1 John 2:2

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

(v2, NIV)

We are not to say we are perfect in conduct nor are we to say that we are inherently "good". If you say those things, you are a liar. Each and every single one of us has committed sin, no matter how "good" you think you are. In addition, we are all sinners by nature and are destined to destruction. Fortunately, if we do sin, we have Jesus Christ who speaks in our defense. When we sin, are to repent and turn from our sins. We can receive salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Now, this isn't a free ticket to go on sinning. Paul addresses this very point in his letter to the Romans. Do not continue in sin as some may want to continue in sin so that grace may increase.

Jesus Christ is the one who pays for our sins. If you have sinned, it's not the end of the world. He pays for your sins if you will allow him to. In addition, it's not just for you but this free gift is offered to everyone. Others are free to correct me on this since I may be wrong. Everyone in the entire world is all in the same bar. It's a pretty big bar and each and every one of us has had at least one drink. However, none of us have any money; none of us can pay for our bill. Jesus comes and he has more than enough money to pay for each and every one of us. However, he will only pay for those who would receive his offer to pay for them.

1 John 2:1

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.

(v1, NIV)

John doesn't want them to sin. Previously, he addressed those who claim they are without sin or claim that they do not sin. If you say you are by nature "good", or you claim to be perfect in your conduct, you are a liar and the truth is not in you. You are simply deceiving yourselves, because both statements are false. None of us are inherently good and none of us can claim to have never sinned in our lives without it being a lie.

The truth of the matter is that we do sin. Even though John wants us not to sin, the truth is that it is possible for us to sin. This isn't an excuse to go on sinning. Instead, we should flee away from sin and try to not sin. If we do happen to fall into sin, we shouldn't be worried either. Not that we should think of it as nothing, rather, we should repent of our sins and turn from them. In addition, John is saying here that there is someone who speaks to the father in our defense. So, when we sin, God looks upon that and sees you doing wrong. The obvious and just thing to do is to punish us for our sins. However, instead of giving us the death that we deserve, Jesus speaks in our defense. God sees us doing something deserving of death but Jesus speaks up defending us, saying that he already paid for our sins. He defends us by saying that his righteousness is imputed on us, not that dirty sin and sinful nature that is in us. Our sin was paid for if we let Jesus pay for it by repenting of our sins, turning from them, and truly following the Lord Jesus Christ.

So, don't sin. However, if you do sin, don't worry about it too much. Of course, repent and turn from your sins and look to the Jesus as your Lord and savior. But assuming you have, Jesus speaks in your defense for the sins you commit. Turn from your sins and follow the Lord Jesus Christ

Love is patient, love is kind.

...It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

Sometimes it is very frustrated to look at people who claims to be Christian but lives in darkness. When are they going to repent. When do they see. Sometimes I really lose my love and patient to them when get frustrated.

Who am I. I need to trust in Him not by my own understanding. I should not be discouraged by the surrounded environment, I should always recall how God has worked in my life, and should always look at the heavenly reward. That is the true joy.

Lord, my Father, don't leave me alone. I want you to be my whole life, because I know who I am and my identity, which is your child.

1 John 1:10

If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.

(v10, NIV)

Verse 8 was talking about nature. Here in verse 10, John begins by saying "If we claim we have not sinned...", but in verse 8 John says "If we claim to be without sin". Verse 8 is referring to the nature of human beings. We know that human beings are sinful, but some don't think so. If we say we are without sin, we are simply deceiving ourselves. We may think we're speaking the truth, but it is not in us.

So, what is John talking about in verse 10? This claim he is referring to is a claim to be without sin in conduct. Regardless of whether human beings are sinful by nature or not, the person making this claim thinks he or she is without sin. People who say that may down-play their own sin. They'll look around and see how "bad" people are around them, not even looking at their own sin. They look at their own sin in comparison to the sin of others and they think they themselves are "good" people. I realize the example I gave for verse 8 applies more for verse 10. Maybe verse 8 would be more like people who think everyone should go to heaven. They think most people for the most part are "good". Since most people are "good", we all deserve to go to heaven. However, that is wrong. Our nature is sin. With regards to this verse where there are those who claim to be without sin in their conduct, they think their conduct is perfect. They think they walk in such a way that is fine enough to merit their own salvation. They may agree that others are sinful. However, looking at their own sins, they think they should go to heaven.

There is no amount of work that we can do to merit our salvation. You can work all you want; you've still sinned and deserve death. There is only one way, and that is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Our clothes are as filthy rags. The only way we can be white as snow is for our sins to be washed by the blood of Jesus Christ. If we would receive him by faith, we can receive his righteousness and be called adopted sons and daughters of God. Therefore, repent and turn from your sins and truly follow the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 John 1:8-10

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.

(v8-10, NIV)

What's the difference between verse 8 and verse 10? Verse 8 begins with claiming to be without sin. Verse 10 begins with claiming to have not sinned. At first glance, they seem pretty much the same. In both instances, the person is claiming some sort of separation from sin. However, in both cases, this causes us to be without the truth, or a liar. The first, to be without sin, is a claim to be without sin in our nature. This is similar to those who say that humans are generally "good" people. They believe that it's in our nature to do "good". I have a feeling that this is simply a down-play of sin, since we know that everyone sins. The sins they do see "good" people doing (including themselves I'm assuming), they down-play it by comparing it to other people's sins. Thus, they think they are still good while they still sin. They may say things like "sure, I punched a pregnant lady in the stomach, but at least I didn't murder someone like that convict I read about in the newspaper". Okay, that was terrible and I hope none of you is doing that. But even if it was a "white lie", that's still terrible because it's still calling sin something that it is not. It is in our nature to sin. Without God, we'd simply keep on sinning and doing what is evil. Sure, some people try to be "good", but their nature is still a sinner. Don't try to say otherwise, you're simply deceiving yourself; the truth is not in you.

Now, I must be careful because as mentioned before, John continues to use the word "we". I am included in this as is John and his readers. Don't think that just because you go to church or just because you prayed some prayer on time that you're immune from this happening to you. I may very well be saying in my heart that I am not a sinner by nature. That's a lie and I am deceiving myself. My nature is to sin. Do not deceive yourselves.

Added: It is true that when you make these claims, we are lying because what you are saying is untrue. However, these people who are saying it believe what they are saying to be true. They believe that they have never actually sinned in their life. Or, they may actually believe that they are good by nature. Regardless of whether they think it's true or not, the point is that they know what God thinks. And regardless of what God says, they will think their own way. They know God says that we are sinners by nature and by conduct. In light of this, they still stand to their claim that they are without sin in conduct or nature. Since they know what God says and claim the opposite, they are calling God a liar. In addition, since God is light and God is truth, the truth is not in them.

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

(v9, NIV)

Why is God faithful and just to forgive us our sins? First of all, if we sin, justice demands us to be punished. The punishment for our sins is death. We are dirty and unclean due to our sins. We cannot come into the presence of a holy and righteous God when we are clothed in our filthy sins. God's justice demands punishment for our sins. We totally and entirely deserve to die and be sent straight to hell. However, though we were on a path of destruction, God intervened. God made a way for us to be saved. Jesus Christ came down in the flesh as a man and died, paying the penalty for our sins. Jesus' righteousness is placed on us and our sins are placed on him. Therefore, God's wrath for the sins we committed was satisfied by the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. As a result, God's justice is satisfied and we are allowed to come into fellowship with God as his adopted sons and daughters. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. The faithfulness John is referring to is God's faithfulness to keep to his promises. We need to repent and turn away from our sins, and God promises to forgive us. God is just because the payment for your sins has already been paid for. It would be unjust for God to make you pay for them again if you believe unto Jesus and allow him to pay for your sins. You need to confess your sins and turn away from them. Similarly, if someone paid for my meal, it would be unjust for the restaurant to still charge me even though someone already paid for it. God is just, and he will not force you to pay if you accept Jesus' free gift, paying for you. Confess your sins, God will forgive you. However, this must be a genuine repentance and turning from your sins. God knows if you're genuine or not, you can't fool him. But if it is genuine, God will forgive you and cleanse you. He is faithful and just.

1 John 1:5-9

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

(v5-9, NIV)

In the last verse, John explains that truth is not in those who claim to be without sin. We all sin. Those who say they don't sin are deceived. So, claiming to be without sin is bad. Doing the opposite of what results in "bad" will probably result in "good". So, the opposite of claiming to be without sin is to claim that we have sin. Thus, we need to confess our sins, which is similar to claiming that we have sin. It's one step further than claiming we have sin. Many people acknowledge their sin. However, that's not all they do. They acknowledge their sin, but they downplay their own sin. They'll acknowledge their little sin, but they'll downplay their sin by pointing to someone else's sin, calling it bigger. Thus, they haven't truly acknowledged their own sin. They say, "Yes, I sin, but other people sin worse than me". They compare themselves to others and feel good about themselves. They make themselves out to be a "good person", that they're righteous. This is why so many people believe that "good" people go to heaven. This is why so many people find it hard to believe that all these "good" people don't actually go to heaven. That's why they have so much trouble believing in a God who would condemn these "good" people to hell. The problem is that we're not comparing ourselves to the correct standard. It's like when you're driving. Most people drive over the speed limit. Most people compare themselves to others and simply drive at the same speed as others. But when you're both going 90km/h down a 50km/h road, the cop has every right to pull you over. Just because someone else was driving just as fast as you or even faster, you're still breaking the law. We need to measure our sins against God's standard. In doing that we realize just how sinful we are. God is light, and in him is no darkness. The light is the truth. Measured against the truth, our dark deeds will be brought to light. After acknowledging and recognizing our sins, we need to confess our sins. Do not become a liar, saying that you have no sin. Confess your sins to God.

Verses to share to my family

Here are the verse I want to share with my Dad and Jean.

Pray that we will allow God at works in our life. Pray Pray Pray!

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The end days is near and for His kingdom is near, repent. 看 哪 ， 耶 和 華 大 而 可 畏 之 日 未 到 以 前 ， 我 必 差 遣 先 知 以 利 亞 到 你 們 那 裡 去 。他 必 使 父 親 的 心 轉 向 兒 女 ， 兒 女 的 心 轉 向 父 親 ， 免 得 我 來 咒 詛 遍 地 (Malachi 4)

Does this sound familiar? I think this is an opportunity from God. And indeed He is in control. But would you allow Him to work? This is a choice to make. 免 得 我 來 咒 詛 遍 地

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耶 穌 說 ： 你 們 要 謹 慎 ， 免 得 有 人 迷 惑 你 們 。 將 來 有 好 些 人 冒 我 的 名 來 ， 說 ： 我 是 基 督 ， 並 且 要 迷 惑 許 多 人 。 你 們 聽 見 打 仗 和 打 仗 的 風 聲 ， 不 要 驚 慌 。 這 些 事 是 必 須 有 的 ， 只 是 末 期 還 沒 有 到 。 民 要 攻 打 民 ， 國 要 攻 打 國 ； 多 處 必 有 地 震 、 饑 荒 。 這 都 是 災 難 （ 災 難 ： 原 文 是 生 產 之 難 ） 的 起 頭 。 但 你 們 要 謹 慎 ； 因 為 人 要 把 你 們 交 給 公 會 ， 並 且 你 們 在 會 堂 裡 要 受 鞭 打 ， 又 為 我 的 緣 故 站 在 諸 侯 與 君 王 面 前 ， 對 他 們 . 作 見 證 。 然 而 ， 福 音 必 須 先 傳 給 萬 民 。人 把 你 們 拉 去 交 官 的 時 候 ， 不 要 預 先 思 慮 說 甚 麼 ； 到 那 時 候 ， 賜 給 你 們 甚 麼 話 ， 你 們 就 說 甚 麼 ； 因 為 說 話 的 不 是 你 們 ， 乃 是 聖 靈 。弟 兄 要 把 弟 兄 ， 父 親 要 把 兒 子 ， 送 到 死 地 ； 兒 女 要 起 來 與 父 母 為 敵 ， 害 死 他 們 ； 並 且 你 們 要 為 我 的 名 被 眾 人 恨 惡 。 惟 有 忍 耐 到 底 的 ， 必 然 得 救 。 (Mark 13)

I hope our family will not end up like the end day as the unsaved. I pray that God will protect this family.

惟 有 忍 耐 到 底 的 ， 必 然 得 救 . Dad, I know you are.

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Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you.

1 John 3:13

Dad. Hope this verse will encourage you to keep on moving.

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No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother

1 John 3: 9-10

Jean, I hope you are in God, and let love overcomes hatreds. It is not worth it. I hope you are carrying the cross. Don't be deceived by the world's wisdom, for God is not mocked.

Keep examine and test your faith and your understand to God. 2 Corinthians 13:5

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A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.

Proverbs 18:2

This is a common mistake that western Christian culture is falling to. Be aware of this, and stay strong in God.

"I write to you, young men,because you are strong,and the word of God lives in you, and you HAVE overcome the evil one."

1 John 2:14

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1 John 1:5-7

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

(v5-7, NIV)

Listening to John Piper, he was saying that the light is also truth. He gets this from the fact that those who walk in darkness do not live by truth. You might have expected him to say that those who walk in darkness do not walk in the light. But instead, he says that they do not live by truth. Therefore, by using different words, we can gather their meaning. The light is truth.

In addition, I was thinking a lot about this light analogy. First of all, there is a very basic and plain example. God is light, and light shines to bring light to all those around it. There is no darkness in him, and darkness cannot abide in light. If you're in a room, there are parts of a room that have light and there may be parts of the room that has darkness. However, there is no such thing as a part of the room that has both light and darkness. Unless you broaden your scope, you can't point to a particular point in the room and say that it's both light and darkness. You might say that the corner of the room has light and also contains objects that create shadows. However, point to a particular point on the floor and you can determine whether it has a shadow or not, or whether it is light or not. Regardless, a closet with a closed door and light off and no light in it is probably one in darkness. A room with its light on and the sun shining through its windows is probably one that is in the light.

So what does it mean to walk in the light? Or what does it mean to walk in the darkness? Well, going back to the analogy, walking in darkness is like walking in a dark room. Walking in the light is like walking in a room with the light on. When the lights are on, you can see what's in the room and what's around you. However, in a dark room, it's hard to see in front of you. If you walk around in a dark room, there's a good chance that you'll bump into something. They don't have the light or the truth to see where things are for them to avoid. However, when you're in the light, you can see things around you so you can more easily avoid them. It also makes it easier to go or do the things you want to do. Walking in the light doesn't mean that you will never bump into something or trip over something or stub your toe. You may still do that while you're in the light. However, being in the light, you are actively using your eyes, seeing what's around you to better help you avoid bumping into things as you would if you were in the darkness.

1 John 1:8

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

(v8, NIV)

God is light and in him there is no darkness. Therefore, he cannot have fellowship with anything that is in darkness. If we are in darkness, we cannot have fellowship with him, but if we are in the light we have fellowship with one another. Some may be inclined to believe that they walk in the light, but at the same time say that they are without sin. Nobody is without sin, so to claim that you are without sin is wrong. Even those who are walking in the light, walking in righteousness and following the Lord Jesus Christ, they are not without sin. Do not deceive yourselves. To think in such a way is to deceive yourselves. Furthermore, to think or claim that you are without sin, it proves that the truth is not in you.

John continues to use the word "we". He does not discount himself from these warnings. Those who are reading these things are not immune to this happening to them. It's not as if John is simply talking to the rest of the world, and those he is talking about are fine. We must examine ourselves. Don't think for a second that just because you're in the church or call yourself a believer, or have a friend who is a believer, or even that you have a distant relative who calls themselves a believer, don't think that any of those discount you from thinking you are immune to these warnings. John includes himself in these warnings. Why would you be any different?

Correction, please see 1 John 1:8-10.

New Way

After reading "How to Study Your Bible" by John MacArthur, I got a new perspective how to read and learn from the bible. Those are new ideas to me and I sounds great to me and I want to try doing it.

"The secret things belong to the Lord our God." Deuteronomy 29:29. As in the conclusion of the articles says, we can only scratch the surface of the infinite mind of God, but even that is a worthy pursuit because He has given us His Word so we might know Him. Our purpose in learning the Word of God is not to have knowledge for its own sake. As Paul said, "Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies" (1 Corinthians 8:1). Our purpose is to know God, and to know God is to learn humility.

Our purpose is to know God through learning the Word of God, not to have knowledge for its own sake, but to learn humility and love.

In other word, reading the bible not to increase knowledge for our selfish purpose, but our purpose of life is to simply know God, so that we learn humility and love.

Here is my action plan:

- Continue my Old testament reading

- Read 1 John everyday for 30 days

- Reading --> Studying ("Gaps to Bridge", "Step to Follow") --> Meditating --> Teaching

I pray that God will be in this process and help me to know more about him.

1 John 1:7

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

(v7, NIV)

So, as John mentioned in the last verse, if you say you have fellowship with God yet walk in darkness, you lie. You cannot walk in darkness and have fellowship with God. God is light and in him there is no darkness. Therefore, it is impossible for one to walk in darkness yet have fellowship with him. Now, John addresses those who do in fact walk in the light. These people who walk in the light do not walk in darkness. They walk in proximity or similarly to God since God is also in the light. If we walk in the light, we have fellowship with one another. Back in verse three, John says that the reason why they are proclaiming what they have seen and heard is so that those who hear will have fellowship with those who proclaim. All these people are walking in the light and they all have fellowship with one another. In addition, though John doesn't exactly say it here, we have fellowship with God. God is also in the light that we are walking in, so we have fellowship with him too.

Nobody's perfect. In fact, some may claim to be walking in the light, but others can point to something in their lives that are sinful. It's impossible to be perfect because we all have sinned. So how does one walk in the light? We can try to walk in the light and not walk in darkness, but sooner or later, we'll fall in sin. To walk in the light does not necessarily mean to not sin. For those who have heard and testify and proclaim the word of life, they know of the light. The question is whether they will make a practice of sinning or not. You may in fact sin while walking in the light. Fortunately, if you walk in the light, the blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin. Our sins are washed away. John doesn't exactly specify how, but we know that we are saved by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus calls us to repent for our sins. Our sins can be washed by his blood. However, this is only true for those who walk in the light, not for those who walk in the darkness.

1 Kings 3

"And now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?"

Certain responsibility needs certain wisdom from God. I pray God will give me wisdom so that it is enough for me to handle whatever I have to face in life.

1 John 1:6

If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.

(v6, NIV)

As John mentioned in the last verse, God is light. Not only is God light, but there is no darkness in him. Since God is light, it would make sense that he would take no part in anything having to do with darkness; this includes those who walk in darkness. John asserts very plainly that you cannot walk in darkness and have fellowship with him. It just doesn't make sense for those walking in darkness to have fellowship with God. In fact, John is addressing certain people in particular who claim to have fellowship with God, yet walk in darkness. There are people like that, people who say that God is their buddy and that they have fellowship with him, yet they walk in darkness. Maybe these people who claim to have fellowship with God live a certain way that is not of the light, but of the darkness. Regardless, those people are liars in their claim to have fellowship with God. The way and path of their lives is not of the truth.

What's interesting is that John continues to use the word "we". He is including himself among with everyone else. It would be silly for him to exclude the possibility of him being one of these liars. It would be prideful to think he was immune to this sort of thing, which he may be deceived into thinking that he was really in fellowship with God yet walking in darkness. He includes everyone by saying "we", addressing those who have seen, heard and touched the living Christ. In addition, these people hear, testify and proclaim to the word of life. However, if for some reason "we" say we have fellowship with God yet walk in darkness, we are liars.

1 John 1:5

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.

(v5, NIV)

John begins this next section describing God. In this description and declaration of God, he says that it is the message that they have heard from him. The "him" is referring to either God or Jesus. In the last section, John explains that they have heard, seen and touched the living Christ. They hear the living word, and they also hear this next thing that he is about to tell them. It's interesting that John continues to use the word "we". The things in the last section were with reference to "we" and "our". This message he is declaring to his readers is not simply something only he has heard. There are other believers and testifiers to this message that also have heard it and declare it.

So, what is this message? God is light. It seems like a simple assertion that will find little opposition. However, this is important for the picture John is painting. He is using this to make clear the points he will make in this section. Regardless, God is light. Not only is God light, but there is no darkness in him. God is pure in the fact that there is no darkness in him. He is light, and only light.

Light reveals and makes known. God is light, and he is also the one who reveals the word of life to us. Since God is light, it makes sense for him to also be the one who reveals. If you're in a dark room, it is hard to tell what's in the room. Turning on the light allow you to see what's in the room, revealing what was in the darkness.

1 John 1:4

We write this to make our joy complete.

(v4, NIV)

John is writing these things so that they may have fellowship with him. In addition, he is also writing these things so that his joy may be complete. It's not just his joy, but he says "our" joy. "Our" is referring to those who hear, testify and proclaim the word of life. For these people, their joy is made complete as a result of writing these things to their readers. Making these things known to others completes their joy. They are fulfilling the work of Christ in doing these things. In addition, from hearing of these things, they may come into fellowship with God. These things bring joy to those who hear, testify and proclaim the word of life.

Joy can be ruined when the word of life is not testified. Why do you think Paul instructs us to wear the sandals of the readiness of the gospel in Ephesians? We need to be ready to tell others about Jesus. When we fail to do so, we can be filled with regret and guilt. In addition, as John mentions, we can have fellowship with one another. It is a joyful thing to welcome back one who was once lost. In the parable of the Prodigal Son that Jesus tells, the father comes running with joy to the son who has returned. He puts his favorite robe on the son and holds a feast in celebration. When one hears and accepts the word of life, he is like a son who has been lost, but now is found. It is a joyful occasion when one receives life by the grace of God our father.

1 John 1:3

We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.

(v3, NIV)

John has been talking about the word of life. He has been talking about Jesus Christ who lived in the flesh who has has seen and heard and touched. There are other witnesses and believers of Christ who have also seen, heard and touched him. These things these witnesses have seen, testify and proclaim. So why are they proclaiming it? John explains that witnesses are testifying to these things so that you can have fellowship with those who proclaim it. People proclaim the word of life so that those who hear can have fellowship with them. You can have fellowship with anyone you want to. However, in order to have genuine fellowship in the context of Jesus Christ, we have to be in one accord about Jesus Christ our Lord. Those who testify, proclaim and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ have fellowship with the father and with his son, Jesus Christ. So, if a believer has fellowship with God, how can he have true fellowship with you if you don't also have fellowship with God as he or she does? We have to be unified in one accord. The thing in which we have to be unified in is Jesus Christ. We have to have our own fellowship with God. If we have that, we can have true fellowship with one another.

1 John 1:1-2

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us—

(v1-2, ESV)

In the ESV, verse 2 is surrounded by '-'. Verse 2 is referring to the word of life. It was made manifest. The way in which this happened was through Jesus Christ. John continues to describe ways in which him and his audience have interacted with it. These are all believers who have actually seen, heard and touched Jesus while he walked the earth. This order of these are significant because these occur for genuine believers. Those who have truly received the word of life have experienced it. Not only have they experienced it, but they attest to it. Having attested to it, they tell others, spreading the good news. This is the pattern of the true followers of Jesus Christ.

The word of life is what gives eternal life. We are living this life we have been given. However, this life isn't forever. Eventually we will die. You can't cheat death, it's coming sooner or later. However, eternal life can be grated to us through the Lord Jesus Christ. This eternal life is offered to use through the word of life.

It's interesting how this verse begins and ends with "manifest". John begins this verse by saying that the word of life was made manifest. Also, the verse ends by saying that it was with the Father and was made manifest to us. It was shown and revealed to us. It's not something we found or something we uncovered. We didn't invent or create it. This was revealed to us, and not of our own doing. Revealing doesn't occur from and to the same object. You can't say that you revealed something to yourself. Well, you can, but it's rare and doesn't make much sense. The revealing happens from one thing to something else. I, Chris, may reveal some secret to my friend, John. John didn't find it on his own, nor did he do anything on his part in order for it to be revealed to him. I did the revealing so that it would be made known to him. In the same way, the word of life was made manifest to us. It was placed in front of us for us to see and revealed to us.