Day 354 of My 3rd Bible Study Journey - 20 December 2023 reflections - 25th Day of Advent
Day 354, 20 December 2023 - 25th Day of Advent
1) 1 John 1, 1 John 2, 1 John 3, 1 John 4, 1 John 5
1 John 1
The Word of Life
1 (Jn 20:27; Lk 24:39; Ac 4:20) That which was from the beginning, which
we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon,
and our hands have touched, concerning the Word of life-
2 (Jn 1:4; 1Jn 5:20; 3:5) the life was revealed, and we have seen it
and testify to it, and announce to you the eternal life, which was with
the Father and was revealed to us-
3 (1Co 1:9; 1Jn 1:1; Php 2:1) we declare to you that which we have seen
and heard, that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship
is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.
4 (Jn 15:11; 16:24) We are writing these things to you so that our joy may
be complete.
[1] That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have
seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled,
of the Word of life;
[2] (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and
shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was
manifested unto us;)
[3] That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may
have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and
with his Son Jesus Christ.
[4] And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
God Is Light
5 (1Jn 3:11; Jas 1:17) This then is the message which we have heard from Him
and declare to you: God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.
6 (1Jn 4:20; 1:10) If we say that we have fellowship with Him, yet walk
in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
7 (Isa 2:5; Eph 1:7) But if we walk in the light as He is in the light,
we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ
His Son cleanses us from all sin.
8 (Jas 3:2; 1Jn 2:4) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves,
and the truth is not in us.
9 (Ps 32:5; Pr 28:13) If we confess our sins, He is faithful
and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 (1Jn 5:10; 1:8) If we say that we have not sinned,
we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.
[5] This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto
you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
[6] If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we
lie, and do not the truth:
[7] But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship
one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from
all sin.
[8] If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is
not in us.
[9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
[10] If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is
not in us.
1 John 2
Christ Our Advocate
1 (Ro 8:34; 1Ti 2:5; Jn 13:33) My little children, I am writing these things
to you, so that you do not sin. But if anyone does sin,
we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One.
2 (1Jn 4:10; Jn 4:42) He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins,
and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
3 (Jn 14:15; 15:10) By this we know that we know Him,
if we keep His commandments.
4 (1Jn 1:8; 1:6) Whoever says, "I know Him," and does not keep
His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
5 (Jn 14:23; 1Jn 3:24) But whoever keeps His word truly has the love of God
perfected in him. By this we know we are in Him.
6 (1Pe 2:21; Mt 11:29) Whoever says he remains in Him ought to walk
as He walked.
[1] My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And
if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the
righteous:
[2] And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also
for the sins of the whole world.
[3] And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
[4] He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar,
and the truth is not in him.
[5] But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected:
hereby know we that we are in him.
[6] He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as
he walked.
The New Commandment
7 (1Jn 3:11; Lev 19:18; 2Jn 1:5-6) Brothers, I am writing no new commandment
to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning.
The old commandment is the word which you have heard from the beginning.
8 (Jn 1:9; 13:34) Yet a new commandment I am writing to you, which holds true
in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away,
and the true light is already shining.
9 (1Jn 2:11; 4:20) Whoever says he is in the light but hates his brother
is in darkness even until now.
10 (2Pe 1:10; 1Jn 3:14) Whoever loves his brother lives in the light,
and in him there is no cause for stumbling.
11 (Jn 12:35; 2Co 4:4; 1Jn 2:9) But whoever hates his brother is in darkness,
and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going,
because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
12 (Ac 13:38; Lk 24:47) I am writing to you, little children,
because your sins are forgiven for His name's sake.
13 (1Jn 2:14; Jn 14:7; Lk 10:22) I am writing to you, fathers,
because you have known Him who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young men,
because you have overcome the evil one.
I am writing to you, little children,
because you have known the Father.
14 (1Jn 2:13; Jn 5:38; Eph 6:10) I have written to you, fathers,
because you have known Him who is from the beginning.
I have written to you, young men,
because you are strong,
and the word of God lives in you,
and you have overcome the evil one.
15 (Jas 4:4; Ro 12:2; Mt 6:24) Do not love the world or the things
in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father
is not in him.
16 (Ro 13:14; Eph 2:3) For all that is in the world-the lust of the flesh,
the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father,
but is of the world.
17 (1Co 7:31; Mk 3:35) The world and its desires are passing away,
but the one who does the will of God lives forever.
[7] Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment
which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye
have heard from the beginning.
[8] Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him
and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.
[9] He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness
even until now.
[10] He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none
occasion of stumbling in him.
[11] But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness,
and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his
eyes.
[12] I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you
for his name's sake.
[13] I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the
beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked
one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.
[14] I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is
from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are
strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked
one.
[15] Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any
man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
[16] For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of
the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
[17] And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the
will of God abideth for ever.
The Antichrist
18 (1Jn 4:3; Mt 24:5; 1Jn 2:22) Little children, it is the last hour.
As you have heard that the antichrist will come, even now there are
many antichrists. By this we know that it is the last hour.
19 (Ac 20:30; 1Co 11:19) They went out from us, but they were not of us,
for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have remained with us.
But they went out, revealing that none of them were of us.
20 (1Jn 2:27; Mk 1:24; Jn 14:26) But you have an anointing from the Holy One,
and you know all things.
21 (2Pe 1:12) I have written to you, not because you do not know the truth,
but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.
22 (2Jn 1:7; 1Jn 4:3; 2:18) Who is a liar
but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? Whoever denies the Father
and the Son is the antichrist.
23 (1Jn 4:15; Jn 8:19) No one who denies the Son has the Father;
the one who confesses the Son has the Father.
24 (Jn 14:23; 1Jn 1:3) Let that which you have heard from the beginning
remain in you. If that which you have heard from the beginning remains in you,
you also will remain in the Son and in the Father.
25 (1Jn 1:2) And this is the promise that He has promised us-eternal life.
26 (2Jn 1:7; 1Jn 3:7) I have written these things to you concerning those
who deceive you.
27 (Jn 14:26) But the anointing which you have received from Him remains
in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. For as the same anointing
teaches you concerning all things, and is truth, and is no lie,
and just as it has taught you, remain in Him.
[18] Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that
antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know
that it is the last time.
[19] They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of
us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they
might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
[20] But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
[21] I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because
ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
[22] Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is
antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
[23] Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that
acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.
[24] Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the
beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in
you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.
[25] And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
[26] These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.
[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.
Children of God
28 (1Jn 3:2; 4:17) And now, little children, remain in Him, so that
when He appears, we may have confidence
and not be ashamed before Him when He comes.
29 (1Jn 3:7; 5:1) If you know that He is righteous,
you know that everyone who does righteousness is born of Him.
[28] And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we
may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
[29] If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth
righteousness is born of him.
1 John 3
1 (Jn 1:12; 3:16) Consider how much love the Father has given to us,
that we should be called children of God. Therefore the world does not know
us, because it did not know Him.
2 (Ro 8:18; 8:29) Beloved, now are we children of God, and it has not yet been
revealed what we shall be. But we know that when He appears, we shall be
like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
3 (2Co 7:1; 2Pe 3:14) Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself,
just as He is pure.
4 (1Jn 5:17; Ro 4:15; 3:20) Whoever practices sin breaks the law,
for sin is lawlessness.
5 (2Co 5:21; Heb 9:28) You know that He was revealed to take away our sins,
and in Him there is no sin.
6 (3Jn 1:11; 1Jn 2:4; 3:9) Whoever remains in Him does not sin.
Whoever sins has not seen Him and does not know Him.
7 (1Jn 2:26; 2:29) Little children, let no one deceive you.
The one who does righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous.
8 (Jn 8:44; Mt 13:38) Whoever practices sin is of the devil,
for the devil has been sinning from the beginning.
For this purpose the Son of God was revealed,
that He might destroy the works of the devil.
9 (1Jn 5:18; Jn 1:13; 1Pe 1:23) Whoever has been born of God does not
practice sin, for His seed remains in him. And he cannot keep on sinning,
because he has been born of God.
10 (1Jn 4:8; Mt 13:38) In this the children of God and the children
of the devil are revealed: Whoever does not live in righteousness
is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.
[1] Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we
should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not,
because it knew him not.
[2] Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we
shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for
we shall see him as he is.
[3] And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he
is pure.
[4] Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the
transgression of the law.
[5] And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is
no sin.
[6] Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen
him, neither known him.
[7] Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is
righteous, even as he is righteous.
[8] He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the
beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might
destroy the works of the devil.
[9] Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in
him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
[10] In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the
devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that
loveth not his brother.
Love One Another
11 (1Jn 1:5; 2Jn 1:5) For this is the message that you heard
from the beginning: We should love one another,
12 (Heb 11:4; Jude 1:11) not like Cain, who was of the wicked one
and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him?
Because his own works were evil, and his brother's works were righteous.
13 (Jn 17:14; 15:18-19) Do not marvel, my brothers, if the world hates you.
14 (Jn 5:24; 1Jn 5:2) We know that we have passed from death to life,
because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love his brother remains
in death.
15 (Mt 5:21-22; Rev 21:8) Whoever hates his brother is a murderer,
and you know that no murderer has eternal life remaining in him.
16 (Php 2:17; Jn 3:16) By this we know the love of God: that He laid down
His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.
17 (1Jn 4:20; Heb 13:16) Whoever has the world's goods and sees
his brother in need, but closes his heart of compassion from him,
how can the love of God remain in him?
18 (1Jn 2:1; Ro 12:9) My little children, let us love not in word
and speech, but in action and truth.
[11] For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we
should love one another.
[12] Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And
wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's
righteous.
[13] Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.
[14] We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the
brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
[15] Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no
murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
[16] Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for
us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
[17] But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and
shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God
in him?
[18] My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in
deed and in truth.
Confidence Before God
19 By this we know that we are of the truth, and shall reassure our hearts
before Him.
20 For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart
and knows everything.
21 (Job 22:26; 1Co 4:4) Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us,
then we have confidence before God.
22 (Jn 8:29; 9:31) And whatever we ask, we will receive from Him,
because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing
in His sight.
23 (Jn 6:29; 13:34) And this is His commandment: that we should believe
on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another as He commanded us.
24 (Jn 17:21) Now the one who keeps His commandments remains in Him,
and He in him. And by this we know that He remains in us, through
the Spirit whom He has given us.
[19] And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our
hearts before him.
[20] For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth
all things.
[21] Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward
God.
[22] And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his
commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
[23] And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his
Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
[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
Test the Spirits
1 (2Pe 2:1; 1Jn 2:18; 1Th 5:21) Beloved, do not believe every spirit,
but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because
many false prophets have gone out into the world.
2 (1Co 12:3; Jn 1:14) This is how you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit
that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,
3 (1Jn 2:18; 2:22; 2Jn 1:7) and every spirit that does not confess
that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not from God.
This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have
heard is coming and is already in the world.
4 (Jn 12:31; 1Jn 4:16) You are of God, little children, and have overcome
them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
5 (Jn 17:14; 3:31) They are of the world, and therefore they speak
from the world, and the world listens to them.
6 (Jn 14:17; 1Co 14:37) We are of God, and whoever knows God listens to us.
Whoever is not of God does not listen to us. This is how we know the spirit
of truth and the spirit of error.
[1] Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are
of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
[2] Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that
Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
[3] And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the
flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have
heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
[4] Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater
is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
[5] They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world
heareth them.
[6] We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God
heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
God Is Love
7 (1Jn 2:29) Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God,
and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
8 (2Co 13:11; 1Jn 4:16) Anyone who does not love does not know God,
for God is love.
9 (Jn 3:16; 1Jn 4:10; 5:11) In this way the love of God was revealed to us,
that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live
through Him.
10 (1Jn 2:2; 1Pe 3:18; 1Jn 3:1) In this is love: not that we loved God, but
that He loved us and sent His Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.
11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we must also love one another.
12 (Jn 1:18; 1Ti 6:16; 1Jn 2:5) No one has seen God at any time. If we love
one another, God dwells in us, and His love is perfected in us.
13 (1Jn 3:24) We know that we live in Him, and He in us,
because He has given us His Spirit.
14 (Jn 4:42; 1:14) And we have seen and testify that the Father sent the Son
to be the Saviour of the world.
15 (Ro 10:9; 1Jn 5:5) Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God,
God lives in him, and he in God.
16 (1Jn 3:24; 3:1) And we have come to know and to believe the love
that God has for us.
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.
17 (1Jn 2:5; 2:28) In this way God's love is perfected in us, so that we may
have boldness on the Day of Judgment, because as He is, so are we
in this world.
18 (Ro 8:15; 2Ti 1:7) There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out
fear, because fear has to do with punishment. Whoever fears is not perfect
in love.
19 (1Jn 4:10; Lk 7:47) We love Him because He first loved us.
20 (1Jn 2:4; 3:17) If anyone says, "I love God," and hates his brother,
he is a liar. For whoever does not love his brother whom he has seen,
how can he love God whom he has not seen?
21 (1Jn 3:11; Lev 19:18) We have this commandment from Him:
Whoever loves God must also love his brother.
[7] Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that
loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
[8] He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
[9] In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent
his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
[10] Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent
his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
[11] Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
[12] No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth
in us, and his love is perfected in us.
[13] Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath
given us of his Spirit.
[14] And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the
Saviour of the world.
[15] Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in
him, and he in God.
[16] And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is
love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
[17] Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day
of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
[18] There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because
fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
[19] We love him, because he first loved us.
[20] If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he
that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he
hath not seen?
[21] And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his
brother also.
1 John 5
Overcoming the World
1 (1Jn 2:29; Jn 1:12-13) Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born
of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves the one born of the Father.
2 By this we know that we love the children of God: when we love God
and keep His commandments.
3 (Jn 14:15; 2Jn 1:6) For this is the love of God, that we keep
His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome,
4 (Jn 16:33; 1Jn 4:4) for whoever is born of God overcomes the world,
and the victory that overcomes the world is our faith.
5 (1Jn 4:15; 5:1) Who is it that overcomes the world,
but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
[1] Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every
one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
[2] By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and
keep his commandments.
[3] For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his
commandments are not grievous.
[4] For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the
victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
[5] Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is
the Son of God?
The Witness Concerning the Son
6 (Jn 15:26; 14:17) This is He who came by water and blood-Jesus Christ.
He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. It is the Spirit
who bears witness, because the Spirit is the truth.
7 (Mt 28:19; Dt 6:4) There are three who testify in heaven: the Father,
the Word, and the Holy Spirit, and the three are one.
8 There are three that testify on earth: the Spirit, the water,
and the blood, and the three are toward the one.
9 (Mt 3:16-17) If we receive the testimony of men,
the testimony of God is greater; for this is the testimony of God
which He has given concerning His Son.
10 (Jn 3:33; Ro 8:16) Whoever believes in the Son of God has this witness
in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made Him out to be a liar,
because he does not believe the testimony that God gave about His Son.
11 (Jn 1:4; 1Jn 2:25) And this is the testimony: that God has given us
eternal life, and this life is in His Son.
12 (Jn 3:36; 3:15; 5:24) Whoever has the Son has life, and whoever does not
have the Son of God does not have life.
[6] This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water
only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness,
because the Spirit is truth.
[7] For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word,
and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
[8] And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the
water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
[9] If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for
this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.
[10] He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he
that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the
record that God gave of his Son.
[11] And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and
this life is in his Son.
[12] He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God
hath not life.
Purpose of Writing
13 (Jn 20:31; 1:12) I have written these things to you who believe in the name
of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you
may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
14 (1Jn 3:21-22; Jn 14:13) This is the confidence that we have in Him, that
if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
15 So if we know that He hears whatever we ask, we know that we have
whatever we asked of Him.
16 (Jer 7:16; Heb 6:4-6) If anyone sees his brother commit a sin
which does not lead to death, he shall ask, and He shall give him life.
This is for those whose sin does not lead to death.
There is a sin that leads to death. I do not say that he should pray for it.
17 (1Jn 3:4; 5:16; Isa 1:18) All wrongdoing is sin, but there is a sin that
does not lead to death.
18 (1Jn 3:9; Jas 1:27) We know that whoever is born of God does not keep on
sinning. But whoever has been born of God guards himself,
and the wicked one cannot touch him.
19 (Gal 1:4; Jn 12:31) We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies
in wickedness.
20 (Jn 17:3; Lk 24:45; Rev 3:7) And we know that the Son of God has come
and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true,
and we are in Him who is true-His Son Jesus Christ.
He is the true God and eternal life.
21 (1Co 10:14; 10:7) Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
[13] These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the
Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may
believe on the name of the Son of God.
[14] And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any
thing according to his will, he heareth us:
[15] And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have
the petitions that we desired of him.
[16] If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall
ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a
sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.
[17] All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.
[18] We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is
begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
[19] And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in
wickedness.
[20] And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an
understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is
true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
[21] Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
2) Our Daily Bread for 20 December 2023 titled
Forgiveness and Forgetting
Isaiah 43:18-25
18 (Isa 65:17) Do not remember the former things
nor consider the things of old.
19 (Ex 17:6; Nu 20:11) See, I will do a new thing,
now it shall spring forth; shall you not be aware of it?
I will even make a way in the wilderness,
and rivers in the desert.
20 (Isa 48:21; 13:22) The beast of the field shall honor Me,
the jackals and the owls,
because I give waters in the wilderness,
and rivers in the desert,
to give drink to My people, My chosen ones.
21 (1Pe 2:9; Ps 102:18) This people I have formed for Myself;
they shall declare My praise.
22 (Mic 6:3; Mal 1:13) But you have not called upon Me, O Jacob;
but you have been weary of Me, O Israel.
23 (Am 5:25; Zec 7:5-6) You have not brought Me the sheep
for your burnt offerings,
nor have you honored Me with your sacrifices.
I have not burdened you with offerings,
nor wearied you with incense.
24 (Isa 1:14; 7:13) You have bought Me no sweet cane with money,
nor have you filled Me with the fat of your sacrifices;
but you have made Me burdened with your sins;
you have wearied Me with your iniquities.
25 (Isa 37:35; 44:22) I, even I, am He who blots out
your transgressions for My own sake,
and will not remember your sins.
[18] Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.
[19] 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.
[20] The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls:
because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give
drink to my people, my chosen.
[21] This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.
[22] But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob; but thou hast been weary of
me, O Israel.
[23] Thou hast not brought me the small cattle of thy burnt offerings;
neither hast thou honoured me with thy sacrifices. I have not caused thee to
serve with an offering, nor wearied thee with incense.
[24] Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled
me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made me to serve with thy
sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities.
[25] I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own
sake, and will not remember thy sins.
Jill Price was born with the condition of hyperthymesia: the ability to
remember in extraordinary detail everything that ever happened to her. She can
replay in her mind the exact occurrence of any event she's experienced in her
lifetime.
The TV show Unforgettable was premised on a female police officer with
hyperthymesia-to her a great advantage in trivia games and in solving crimes.
For Jill Price, however, the condition isn't so much fun. She can't forget the
moments of life when she was criticised, experienced loss, or did something
she deeply regretted. She replays those scenes in her head over and over
again.
Our God is omniscient (perhaps a kind of divine hyperthymesia): the Bible
tells us that His understanding has no limit. And yet we discover in Isaiah a
most reassuring thing: "I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions
for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins." (43:25). The book of
Hebrews reinforces this: "We have been made holy through... Jesus Christ ...
[and our] sins and lawless acts [God] will remember no more"
(Hebrews 10:10, 17).
As we confess our sins to God, we can stop playing them over and over in our
minds. We need to let them go, just as He does: "Remember ye not the former
things, neither consider the things of old." (Isaiah 43:18). In His great
love, God chooses to not remember our sins against us. Let’s remember that.
By: Kenneth Petersen
Reflect & Pray
What regrets do you harbor in your memory and play over and over again?
How can you give them to God and release the past?
Dear God, thank You for forgiving and forgetting my sins.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 4 "Formula" for Forgiveness
Luke 17:3 - 4
3 (Lev 19:17; Mt 18:21)"Take heed to yourselves."
"If your brother sins against you, rebuke him. And if he repents,
forgive him.
4 (Mt 18:21-22) If he sins against you seven times in a day,
and seven times in a day turns to you, saying,
'I repent,' you must forgive him."
3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him;
and if he repent, forgive him.
4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day,
and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent;
thou shalt forgive him.
The context of these verses give us an interesting perspective of Jesus'
disciples. In a corollary passage in Matthew 18, the disciples (through
Peter, the designated mouthpiece) ask Jesus,
21 (Mt 18:15; Lk 17:3-4) Then Peter came to Him and said,
"Lord, how often shall I forgive my brother who sins against me?
Up to seven times?" (Matthew 18:21)
The disciples wanted a "formula" for forgiveness: they wanted to be able to
develop a checklist. Once, twice, maybe three times a brother could be
forgiven, but after that, you could write him off. After all, if
he keeps on offending over and over again, he doesn't deserve to be forgiven!
But Jesus says, " Rebuke him - let him know his fault; if he repents,
forgive him - even seven times in the same day!"
And the disciplines' response is predictable: "Lord, increase our faith!" They
were more comfortable with their own formula for forgiveness than with the
outrageous demands of the love that Christ imposed upon them.
We are so like the disciples. We want to draw a line and say. "This far
- no more. I'll forgive you once, but don't do it again. Now that you're
forgiven, you'd better shape up!". Yet God's love doesn't recognise "again".
He forgives, and no matter how often we come to him in repentance
for repeated offenses, his arms of forgiveness are open to us.
That is the way God wants us to forgive. He wants us to lay aside our
checklists, put away our suspicions, abandon our scoreboards, and forgive.
Seven times, or seventy times seven, as often as we have sinned against God
and been forgiven, we are to forgive.
Application
a) Have I ever kept a "scorecard" of performance on someone I
have forgiven ? Why?
b) Why do I need "increased faith" to be able to forgive as
Jesus calls me to?
4) Prosperity verses from Kenneth Copeland
Joshua 1:8
8 (Ps 19:14; 119:15) This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth.
Meditate on it day and night so that you may act carefully according to all
that is written in it. For then you will make your way successful,
and you will be wise.
8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt
meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according
to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous,
and then thou shalt have good success.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are discouraged or Depressed
Matthew 11:25-30
25 (Ps 8:2; Jn 11:41) At that time Jesus said, "I thank You, O Father,
Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things
from the wise and prudent and revealed them to infants.
26 Even so, Father, for it seemed good in Your sight.
27 (Jn 10:15; Mt 28:18; Jn 1:18) "All things are delivered to Me
by My Father, and no one knows the Son, except the Father.
And no one knows the Father, except the Son and he to whom
the Son will reveal Him.
28 (Jn 7:37; 6:37) "Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavily
burdened, and I will give you rest.
29 (Jer 6:16; Jn 13:15) Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me.
For I am meek and lowly in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.(Jer 6:16).
30 (1Jn 5:3) For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light."
because He has dealt bountifully with me.
The Hidden Revelation
25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father,
Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things
from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.
27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man
knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father,
save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek
and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2023 edition?)
The Northern Territories of Canada
Yukon
Yukon Total population (2015) 36500 Muslim (est) 69
In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families
in 2001 to more than 60 people in 2014. Originally meeting in a church,
they now meet for prayer service in a former office space.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Northwest Territories (NWT)
NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473
The Muslim community of Yellowknife has grown from 275 to 330 un the past year.
To replace their inadequate facility, they are planning a C$2 to C$2.5 million
Islamic Centre.
Pray that the Muslims in Yellowknife and all of the NWT will awaken to
spiritual hunger and be open to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Nunavut (NU)
NU total population (2015) 36600 Muslim (est) 86
The Islamic Centre of Iqaluit now claim about 100 Muslims and have surpassed
80 % of their funding goal to building the first mosque in this territory.
Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam
in the far northern reaches of Canada."
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
20th Day of the Month
a) Pray for the children of Canada, that they would come to know
Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord.
( Matthew 19:14
14 (Mt 18:3; Lk 18:16-17)
But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me,
and do not forbid them. For to such belongs the kingdom of heaven."
14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not,
to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
)
b) Pray that Christians will recognise that our struggle is not
against the natural world but against invisible spiritual forces.
(
Eph 6:12
12 (Eph 1:3; 1:21) For our fight is not against flesh and blood,
but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers
of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual forces
of evil in the heavenly places.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against
spiritual wickedness in high places.
)
Advent day 25
From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle by Joel Heck
"Enemy-occupied territory-that is what this world is.
Christianity is the story of how the rightful king has landed...
and is calling us all to take part in a great campaign of sabotage.
When you go to church you are really listening-in to the secret
wireless from our friends: that is why the enemy is so anxious
to prevent us from going." - C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in Mere Christianity, p. 46.)
A Campaign of Sabotage
C. S. Lewis wrote his most influential book, Mere Christianity,
in the middle of World War Two. The talks that became the basis
for this book were broadcast on the BBC between 1941 and 1944.
Lewis used numerous military allusions in that book,
in one case describing this world as "enemy-occupied territory."
Humanity has been invaded by an enemy: Satan.
He occupies the territory in which we live. "The rightful king"
has arrived and is in the process of taking back the territory,
but not as the Allies did on D-Day, June 6, 1944,
invading the beaches of Normandy in a full-scale assault
on German positions.
Jesus did not use tanks, planes, or artillery.
He arrived almost incognito. Few knew, even though it had been
predicted for centuries. Jesus came in disguise-as a baby.
No one would expect much opposition from a baby, but babies
have the power to wrap their parents around their little finger.
This baby had a lot more power than that, in fact, all power
and authority, and one day that authority will be visible
for all to see. But not yet.
Until then, we Christians acknowledge the power and authority
of this rightful king. We participate in his campaign of sabotage
against the enemy. We arm ourselves with the sword of the Spirit,
the Word of God, and with the shield of faith, the breastplate
of righteousness, the belt of truth, and the shoes of the gospel
of peace. The message of the gospel is our best sabotage
against the power of Satan. Its power to forgive sins
is our best weapon.
Jesus, my King, make me aware of the enemy,
aware of your power over him, and especially
aware of your power to forgive sins. Amen.
10 (Eph 1:19; 1Co 16:13) Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord
and in the power of His might.
11 (Eph 6:13; Ro 13:12; Eph 4:14) Put on the whole armour of God that
you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
Ephesians 6:10-11
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
WEDNESDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT
Exactly The Right Time
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus
that the entire inhabited earth should be taxed.
-Luke 2:1
God's timing is always stunning! When it was exactly the right
moment for the Christ Child to be born, "all the world" cooperated.
The Emperor Augustus issued an order,
and everyone had to go to their ancestral home.
This was the first registration, we are notified in verse 2,
to be commanded when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
Whether this means that other enrollments were levied later on we
are not told, but this one made history-not because of its intention
to number the extent of the Roman Empire or to record the names
of Rome's conquerees for taxation purposes, but because the titles
of those rulers are now perpetually associated with the Messiah's birth.
You were born, too, at exactly the right time. God planned all your gifts
and calculated at what point in history your presence would be pivotal.
How we adore the All-Knowing One for his incredible timing!
Prayer
How can we adequately praise you, Great Designer,
that we were born when we could best serve you? Amen.
Read Luke 2:1-7.
Luke 2
The Birth of Jesus
Mt 1:18-25
1 (Lk 3:1; Mt 24:14) In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus
that the entire inhabited earth should be taxed.
2 (Lk 3:1) This taxation was first made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3 And everyone went to his own city to be taxed.
4 (Jn 7:42; 1Sa 16:1) So Joseph also departed from the city of Nazareth
in Galilee to the City of David which is called Bethlehem, in Judea,
because he was of the house and lineage of David,
5 to be taxed with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
6 So while they were there, the day came for her to give birth.
7 (Mt 1:25; Lk 2:11-12) And she gave birth to her firstborn Son,
and wrapped Him in strips of cloth, and laid Him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn.
From the Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
FOURTH WEDNESDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ADORATION!
And his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.ISAIAH 9:6
In the days leading up to Christmas we're counting the days. The malls
are full. The carols continue. The Santas are weary. The mail carriers are
burdened. The children are hyper. And we can almost hear the cattle
lowing (whatever lowing is!.
In theses days we're ready to adore the Baby Jesus. as well we should.
Today's lesson spells it out so well: "A child has been born for us, a son
given to us." "Oh, come let us adore him. Christ the Lord!"
But look again in the stable. For too long we've seen the manger as
a "sanitary shed," white and neat and clean and perfect. But it wasn't
that way at all. It was messy and smelly and germy and . .. well ... human.
And that's exactly why we adore him! Because Christ didn't wait for us
to clean up our dirty and messy lives before he came to redeem us.
Not at all:He entered our sin-filled stables "lust as we are." He came as
a God sized man to rid us of our man-sized gods.
Check out the Christmas cards you are receiving. How many of them really
'depict the human stable where Jesus was born? He may look "adorable,"
but that is not why we adore him. We adore him because he has come
to be our Saviour. And we might add: our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace!
Lord, we come to adore you because you have come to us. Keep coming,
Lord. into our messy lives. Clean us up as only you can do.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Isaiah 9:2-7.
2 (Eph 5:8; Mt 4:16) The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death,
upon them the light has shined.
3 (1Sa 30:16; Isa 26:15) You have multiplied the nation
and increased the joy;
they rejoice before You
according to the joy of harvest
and as men rejoice
when they divide the spoil.
4 (Isa 14:25; 10:26-27) For You have broken the yoke of his burden
and the bar of his shoulder,
the rod of his oppressor
as in the day of Midian's defeat.
5 For all the sandals of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 (Isa 7:14; Mt 28:18; Lk 2:11) For unto us a child is born,
unto us a son is given,
and the government shall be upon his shoulder.
And his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
7 (Isa 37:32; Da 2:44) Of the increase of his government and peace
there shall be no end,
upon the throne of David
and over his kingdom,
to order it and to establish it
with justice and with righteousness,
from now until forever.
The zeal of the Lord of Hosts
will perform this.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to know Him as love.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, thank You for forgiving and forgetting my sins."
Pray to the Lord and pray to be a forgiver without the scorecard.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Word so it does not depart from your
mouth .
Pray to the Lord and pray to give Him all your burdens.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for the children of Canada, that they would come to know
Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord.
Pray that Christians will recognise that our struggle is not
against the natural world but against invisible spiritual forces.
Jesus, my King, make me aware of the enemy,
aware of your power over him, and especially
aware of your power to forgive sins. Amen.
Pray: How can we adequately praise you, Great Designer,
that we were born when we could best serve you? Amen.
Pray: Lord, we come to adore you because you have come to us. Keep coming,
Lord. into our messy lives. Clean us up as only you can do.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray for believers in the Nubia Mountains in Sudan who are receiving care
packages and other means of practical aid.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
1) 1 John 1, 1 John 2, 1 John 3, 1 John 4, 1 John 5
1 John 1
The Word of Life
1 (Jn 20:27; Lk 24:39; Ac 4:20) That which was from the beginning, which
we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon,
and our hands have touched, concerning the Word of life-
2 (Jn 1:4; 1Jn 5:20; 3:5) the life was revealed, and we have seen it
and testify to it, and announce to you the eternal life, which was with
the Father and was revealed to us-
3 (1Co 1:9; 1Jn 1:1; Php 2:1) we declare to you that which we have seen
and heard, that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship
is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.
4 (Jn 15:11; 16:24) We are writing these things to you so that our joy may
be complete.
[1] That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have
seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled,
of the Word of life;
[2] (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and
shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was
manifested unto us;)
[3] That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may
have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and
with his Son Jesus Christ.
[4] And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
God Is Light
5 (1Jn 3:11; Jas 1:17) This then is the message which we have heard from Him
and declare to you: God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.
6 (1Jn 4:20; 1:10) If we say that we have fellowship with Him, yet walk
in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
7 (Isa 2:5; Eph 1:7) But if we walk in the light as He is in the light,
we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ
His Son cleanses us from all sin.
8 (Jas 3:2; 1Jn 2:4) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves,
and the truth is not in us.
9 (Ps 32:5; Pr 28:13) If we confess our sins, He is faithful
and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 (1Jn 5:10; 1:8) If we say that we have not sinned,
we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.
[5] This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto
you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
[6] If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we
lie, and do not the truth:
[7] But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship
one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from
all sin.
[8] If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is
not in us.
[9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
[10] If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is
not in us.
1 John 2
Christ Our Advocate
1 (Ro 8:34; 1Ti 2:5; Jn 13:33) My little children, I am writing these things
to you, so that you do not sin. But if anyone does sin,
we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One.
2 (1Jn 4:10; Jn 4:42) He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins,
and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
3 (Jn 14:15; 15:10) By this we know that we know Him,
if we keep His commandments.
4 (1Jn 1:8; 1:6) Whoever says, "I know Him," and does not keep
His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
5 (Jn 14:23; 1Jn 3:24) But whoever keeps His word truly has the love of God
perfected in him. By this we know we are in Him.
6 (1Pe 2:21; Mt 11:29) Whoever says he remains in Him ought to walk
as He walked.
[1] My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And
if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the
righteous:
[2] And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also
for the sins of the whole world.
[3] And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
[4] He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar,
and the truth is not in him.
[5] But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected:
hereby know we that we are in him.
[6] He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as
he walked.
The New Commandment
7 (1Jn 3:11; Lev 19:18; 2Jn 1:5-6) Brothers, I am writing no new commandment
to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning.
The old commandment is the word which you have heard from the beginning.
8 (Jn 1:9; 13:34) Yet a new commandment I am writing to you, which holds true
in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away,
and the true light is already shining.
9 (1Jn 2:11; 4:20) Whoever says he is in the light but hates his brother
is in darkness even until now.
10 (2Pe 1:10; 1Jn 3:14) Whoever loves his brother lives in the light,
and in him there is no cause for stumbling.
11 (Jn 12:35; 2Co 4:4; 1Jn 2:9) But whoever hates his brother is in darkness,
and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going,
because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
12 (Ac 13:38; Lk 24:47) I am writing to you, little children,
because your sins are forgiven for His name's sake.
13 (1Jn 2:14; Jn 14:7; Lk 10:22) I am writing to you, fathers,
because you have known Him who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young men,
because you have overcome the evil one.
I am writing to you, little children,
because you have known the Father.
14 (1Jn 2:13; Jn 5:38; Eph 6:10) I have written to you, fathers,
because you have known Him who is from the beginning.
I have written to you, young men,
because you are strong,
and the word of God lives in you,
and you have overcome the evil one.
15 (Jas 4:4; Ro 12:2; Mt 6:24) Do not love the world or the things
in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father
is not in him.
16 (Ro 13:14; Eph 2:3) For all that is in the world-the lust of the flesh,
the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father,
but is of the world.
17 (1Co 7:31; Mk 3:35) The world and its desires are passing away,
but the one who does the will of God lives forever.
[7] Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment
which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye
have heard from the beginning.
[8] Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him
and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.
[9] He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness
even until now.
[10] He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none
occasion of stumbling in him.
[11] But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness,
and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his
eyes.
[12] I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you
for his name's sake.
[13] I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the
beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked
one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.
[14] I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is
from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are
strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked
one.
[15] Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any
man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
[16] For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of
the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
[17] And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the
will of God abideth for ever.
The Antichrist
18 (1Jn 4:3; Mt 24:5; 1Jn 2:22) Little children, it is the last hour.
As you have heard that the antichrist will come, even now there are
many antichrists. By this we know that it is the last hour.
19 (Ac 20:30; 1Co 11:19) They went out from us, but they were not of us,
for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have remained with us.
But they went out, revealing that none of them were of us.
20 (1Jn 2:27; Mk 1:24; Jn 14:26) But you have an anointing from the Holy One,
and you know all things.
21 (2Pe 1:12) I have written to you, not because you do not know the truth,
but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.
22 (2Jn 1:7; 1Jn 4:3; 2:18) Who is a liar
but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? Whoever denies the Father
and the Son is the antichrist.
23 (1Jn 4:15; Jn 8:19) No one who denies the Son has the Father;
the one who confesses the Son has the Father.
24 (Jn 14:23; 1Jn 1:3) Let that which you have heard from the beginning
remain in you. If that which you have heard from the beginning remains in you,
you also will remain in the Son and in the Father.
25 (1Jn 1:2) And this is the promise that He has promised us-eternal life.
26 (2Jn 1:7; 1Jn 3:7) I have written these things to you concerning those
who deceive you.
27 (Jn 14:26) But the anointing which you have received from Him remains
in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. For as the same anointing
teaches you concerning all things, and is truth, and is no lie,
and just as it has taught you, remain in Him.
[18] Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that
antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know
that it is the last time.
[19] They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of
us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they
might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
[20] But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
[21] I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because
ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
[22] Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is
antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
[23] Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that
acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.
[24] Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the
beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in
you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.
[25] And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
[26] These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.
[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.
Children of God
28 (1Jn 3:2; 4:17) And now, little children, remain in Him, so that
when He appears, we may have confidence
and not be ashamed before Him when He comes.
29 (1Jn 3:7; 5:1) If you know that He is righteous,
you know that everyone who does righteousness is born of Him.
[28] And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we
may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
[29] If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth
righteousness is born of him.
1 John 3
1 (Jn 1:12; 3:16) Consider how much love the Father has given to us,
that we should be called children of God. Therefore the world does not know
us, because it did not know Him.
2 (Ro 8:18; 8:29) Beloved, now are we children of God, and it has not yet been
revealed what we shall be. But we know that when He appears, we shall be
like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
3 (2Co 7:1; 2Pe 3:14) Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself,
just as He is pure.
4 (1Jn 5:17; Ro 4:15; 3:20) Whoever practices sin breaks the law,
for sin is lawlessness.
5 (2Co 5:21; Heb 9:28) You know that He was revealed to take away our sins,
and in Him there is no sin.
6 (3Jn 1:11; 1Jn 2:4; 3:9) Whoever remains in Him does not sin.
Whoever sins has not seen Him and does not know Him.
7 (1Jn 2:26; 2:29) Little children, let no one deceive you.
The one who does righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous.
8 (Jn 8:44; Mt 13:38) Whoever practices sin is of the devil,
for the devil has been sinning from the beginning.
For this purpose the Son of God was revealed,
that He might destroy the works of the devil.
9 (1Jn 5:18; Jn 1:13; 1Pe 1:23) Whoever has been born of God does not
practice sin, for His seed remains in him. And he cannot keep on sinning,
because he has been born of God.
10 (1Jn 4:8; Mt 13:38) In this the children of God and the children
of the devil are revealed: Whoever does not live in righteousness
is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.
[1] Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we
should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not,
because it knew him not.
[2] Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we
shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for
we shall see him as he is.
[3] And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he
is pure.
[4] Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the
transgression of the law.
[5] And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is
no sin.
[6] Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen
him, neither known him.
[7] Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is
righteous, even as he is righteous.
[8] He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the
beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might
destroy the works of the devil.
[9] Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in
him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
[10] In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the
devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that
loveth not his brother.
Love One Another
11 (1Jn 1:5; 2Jn 1:5) For this is the message that you heard
from the beginning: We should love one another,
12 (Heb 11:4; Jude 1:11) not like Cain, who was of the wicked one
and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him?
Because his own works were evil, and his brother's works were righteous.
13 (Jn 17:14; 15:18-19) Do not marvel, my brothers, if the world hates you.
14 (Jn 5:24; 1Jn 5:2) We know that we have passed from death to life,
because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love his brother remains
in death.
15 (Mt 5:21-22; Rev 21:8) Whoever hates his brother is a murderer,
and you know that no murderer has eternal life remaining in him.
16 (Php 2:17; Jn 3:16) By this we know the love of God: that He laid down
His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.
17 (1Jn 4:20; Heb 13:16) Whoever has the world's goods and sees
his brother in need, but closes his heart of compassion from him,
how can the love of God remain in him?
18 (1Jn 2:1; Ro 12:9) My little children, let us love not in word
and speech, but in action and truth.
[11] For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we
should love one another.
[12] Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And
wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's
righteous.
[13] Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.
[14] We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the
brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
[15] Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no
murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
[16] Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for
us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
[17] But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and
shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God
in him?
[18] My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in
deed and in truth.
Confidence Before God
19 By this we know that we are of the truth, and shall reassure our hearts
before Him.
20 For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart
and knows everything.
21 (Job 22:26; 1Co 4:4) Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us,
then we have confidence before God.
22 (Jn 8:29; 9:31) And whatever we ask, we will receive from Him,
because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing
in His sight.
23 (Jn 6:29; 13:34) And this is His commandment: that we should believe
on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another as He commanded us.
24 (Jn 17:21) Now the one who keeps His commandments remains in Him,
and He in him. And by this we know that He remains in us, through
the Spirit whom He has given us.
[19] And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our
hearts before him.
[20] For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth
all things.
[21] Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward
God.
[22] And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his
commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
[23] And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his
Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
[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
Test the Spirits
1 (2Pe 2:1; 1Jn 2:18; 1Th 5:21) Beloved, do not believe every spirit,
but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because
many false prophets have gone out into the world.
2 (1Co 12:3; Jn 1:14) This is how you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit
that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,
3 (1Jn 2:18; 2:22; 2Jn 1:7) and every spirit that does not confess
that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not from God.
This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have
heard is coming and is already in the world.
4 (Jn 12:31; 1Jn 4:16) You are of God, little children, and have overcome
them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
5 (Jn 17:14; 3:31) They are of the world, and therefore they speak
from the world, and the world listens to them.
6 (Jn 14:17; 1Co 14:37) We are of God, and whoever knows God listens to us.
Whoever is not of God does not listen to us. This is how we know the spirit
of truth and the spirit of error.
[1] Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are
of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
[2] Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that
Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
[3] And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the
flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have
heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
[4] Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater
is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
[5] They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world
heareth them.
[6] We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God
heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
God Is Love
7 (1Jn 2:29) Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God,
and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
8 (2Co 13:11; 1Jn 4:16) Anyone who does not love does not know God,
for God is love.
9 (Jn 3:16; 1Jn 4:10; 5:11) In this way the love of God was revealed to us,
that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live
through Him.
10 (1Jn 2:2; 1Pe 3:18; 1Jn 3:1) In this is love: not that we loved God, but
that He loved us and sent His Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.
11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we must also love one another.
12 (Jn 1:18; 1Ti 6:16; 1Jn 2:5) No one has seen God at any time. If we love
one another, God dwells in us, and His love is perfected in us.
13 (1Jn 3:24) We know that we live in Him, and He in us,
because He has given us His Spirit.
14 (Jn 4:42; 1:14) And we have seen and testify that the Father sent the Son
to be the Saviour of the world.
15 (Ro 10:9; 1Jn 5:5) Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God,
God lives in him, and he in God.
16 (1Jn 3:24; 3:1) And we have come to know and to believe the love
that God has for us.
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.
17 (1Jn 2:5; 2:28) In this way God's love is perfected in us, so that we may
have boldness on the Day of Judgment, because as He is, so are we
in this world.
18 (Ro 8:15; 2Ti 1:7) There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out
fear, because fear has to do with punishment. Whoever fears is not perfect
in love.
19 (1Jn 4:10; Lk 7:47) We love Him because He first loved us.
20 (1Jn 2:4; 3:17) If anyone says, "I love God," and hates his brother,
he is a liar. For whoever does not love his brother whom he has seen,
how can he love God whom he has not seen?
21 (1Jn 3:11; Lev 19:18) We have this commandment from Him:
Whoever loves God must also love his brother.
[7] Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that
loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
[8] He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
[9] In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent
his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
[10] Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent
his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
[11] Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
[12] No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth
in us, and his love is perfected in us.
[13] Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath
given us of his Spirit.
[14] And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the
Saviour of the world.
[15] Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in
him, and he in God.
[16] And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is
love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
[17] Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day
of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
[18] There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because
fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
[19] We love him, because he first loved us.
[20] If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he
that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he
hath not seen?
[21] And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his
brother also.
1 John 5
Overcoming the World
1 (1Jn 2:29; Jn 1:12-13) Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born
of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves the one born of the Father.
2 By this we know that we love the children of God: when we love God
and keep His commandments.
3 (Jn 14:15; 2Jn 1:6) For this is the love of God, that we keep
His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome,
4 (Jn 16:33; 1Jn 4:4) for whoever is born of God overcomes the world,
and the victory that overcomes the world is our faith.
5 (1Jn 4:15; 5:1) Who is it that overcomes the world,
but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
[1] Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every
one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
[2] By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and
keep his commandments.
[3] For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his
commandments are not grievous.
[4] For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the
victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
[5] Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is
the Son of God?
The Witness Concerning the Son
6 (Jn 15:26; 14:17) This is He who came by water and blood-Jesus Christ.
He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. It is the Spirit
who bears witness, because the Spirit is the truth.
7 (Mt 28:19; Dt 6:4) There are three who testify in heaven: the Father,
the Word, and the Holy Spirit, and the three are one.
8 There are three that testify on earth: the Spirit, the water,
and the blood, and the three are toward the one.
9 (Mt 3:16-17) If we receive the testimony of men,
the testimony of God is greater; for this is the testimony of God
which He has given concerning His Son.
10 (Jn 3:33; Ro 8:16) Whoever believes in the Son of God has this witness
in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made Him out to be a liar,
because he does not believe the testimony that God gave about His Son.
11 (Jn 1:4; 1Jn 2:25) And this is the testimony: that God has given us
eternal life, and this life is in His Son.
12 (Jn 3:36; 3:15; 5:24) Whoever has the Son has life, and whoever does not
have the Son of God does not have life.
[6] This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water
only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness,
because the Spirit is truth.
[7] For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word,
and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
[8] And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the
water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
[9] If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for
this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.
[10] He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he
that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the
record that God gave of his Son.
[11] And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and
this life is in his Son.
[12] He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God
hath not life.
Purpose of Writing
13 (Jn 20:31; 1:12) I have written these things to you who believe in the name
of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you
may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
14 (1Jn 3:21-22; Jn 14:13) This is the confidence that we have in Him, that
if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
15 So if we know that He hears whatever we ask, we know that we have
whatever we asked of Him.
16 (Jer 7:16; Heb 6:4-6) If anyone sees his brother commit a sin
which does not lead to death, he shall ask, and He shall give him life.
This is for those whose sin does not lead to death.
There is a sin that leads to death. I do not say that he should pray for it.
17 (1Jn 3:4; 5:16; Isa 1:18) All wrongdoing is sin, but there is a sin that
does not lead to death.
18 (1Jn 3:9; Jas 1:27) We know that whoever is born of God does not keep on
sinning. But whoever has been born of God guards himself,
and the wicked one cannot touch him.
19 (Gal 1:4; Jn 12:31) We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies
in wickedness.
20 (Jn 17:3; Lk 24:45; Rev 3:7) And we know that the Son of God has come
and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true,
and we are in Him who is true-His Son Jesus Christ.
He is the true God and eternal life.
21 (1Co 10:14; 10:7) Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
[13] These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the
Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may
believe on the name of the Son of God.
[14] And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any
thing according to his will, he heareth us:
[15] And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have
the petitions that we desired of him.
[16] If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall
ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a
sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.
[17] All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.
[18] We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is
begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
[19] And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in
wickedness.
[20] And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an
understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is
true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
[21] Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
2) Our Daily Bread for 20 December 2023 titled
Forgiveness and Forgetting
Isaiah 43:18-25
18 (Isa 65:17) Do not remember the former things
nor consider the things of old.
19 (Ex 17:6; Nu 20:11) See, I will do a new thing,
now it shall spring forth; shall you not be aware of it?
I will even make a way in the wilderness,
and rivers in the desert.
20 (Isa 48:21; 13:22) The beast of the field shall honor Me,
the jackals and the owls,
because I give waters in the wilderness,
and rivers in the desert,
to give drink to My people, My chosen ones.
21 (1Pe 2:9; Ps 102:18) This people I have formed for Myself;
they shall declare My praise.
22 (Mic 6:3; Mal 1:13) But you have not called upon Me, O Jacob;
but you have been weary of Me, O Israel.
23 (Am 5:25; Zec 7:5-6) You have not brought Me the sheep
for your burnt offerings,
nor have you honored Me with your sacrifices.
I have not burdened you with offerings,
nor wearied you with incense.
24 (Isa 1:14; 7:13) You have bought Me no sweet cane with money,
nor have you filled Me with the fat of your sacrifices;
but you have made Me burdened with your sins;
you have wearied Me with your iniquities.
25 (Isa 37:35; 44:22) I, even I, am He who blots out
your transgressions for My own sake,
and will not remember your sins.
[18] Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.
[19] 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.
[20] The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls:
because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give
drink to my people, my chosen.
[21] This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.
[22] But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob; but thou hast been weary of
me, O Israel.
[23] Thou hast not brought me the small cattle of thy burnt offerings;
neither hast thou honoured me with thy sacrifices. I have not caused thee to
serve with an offering, nor wearied thee with incense.
[24] Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled
me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made me to serve with thy
sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities.
[25] I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own
sake, and will not remember thy sins.
Jill Price was born with the condition of hyperthymesia: the ability to
remember in extraordinary detail everything that ever happened to her. She can
replay in her mind the exact occurrence of any event she's experienced in her
lifetime.
The TV show Unforgettable was premised on a female police officer with
hyperthymesia-to her a great advantage in trivia games and in solving crimes.
For Jill Price, however, the condition isn't so much fun. She can't forget the
moments of life when she was criticised, experienced loss, or did something
she deeply regretted. She replays those scenes in her head over and over
again.
Our God is omniscient (perhaps a kind of divine hyperthymesia): the Bible
tells us that His understanding has no limit. And yet we discover in Isaiah a
most reassuring thing: "I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions
for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins." (43:25). The book of
Hebrews reinforces this: "We have been made holy through... Jesus Christ ...
[and our] sins and lawless acts [God] will remember no more"
(Hebrews 10:10, 17).
As we confess our sins to God, we can stop playing them over and over in our
minds. We need to let them go, just as He does: "Remember ye not the former
things, neither consider the things of old." (Isaiah 43:18). In His great
love, God chooses to not remember our sins against us. Let’s remember that.
By: Kenneth Petersen
Reflect & Pray
What regrets do you harbor in your memory and play over and over again?
How can you give them to God and release the past?
Dear God, thank You for forgiving and forgetting my sins.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 4 "Formula" for Forgiveness
Luke 17:3 - 4
3 (Lev 19:17; Mt 18:21)"Take heed to yourselves."
"If your brother sins against you, rebuke him. And if he repents,
forgive him.
4 (Mt 18:21-22) If he sins against you seven times in a day,
and seven times in a day turns to you, saying,
'I repent,' you must forgive him."
3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him;
and if he repent, forgive him.
4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day,
and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent;
thou shalt forgive him.
The context of these verses give us an interesting perspective of Jesus'
disciples. In a corollary passage in Matthew 18, the disciples (through
Peter, the designated mouthpiece) ask Jesus,
21 (Mt 18:15; Lk 17:3-4) Then Peter came to Him and said,
"Lord, how often shall I forgive my brother who sins against me?
Up to seven times?" (Matthew 18:21)
The disciples wanted a "formula" for forgiveness: they wanted to be able to
develop a checklist. Once, twice, maybe three times a brother could be
forgiven, but after that, you could write him off. After all, if
he keeps on offending over and over again, he doesn't deserve to be forgiven!
But Jesus says, " Rebuke him - let him know his fault; if he repents,
forgive him - even seven times in the same day!"
And the disciplines' response is predictable: "Lord, increase our faith!" They
were more comfortable with their own formula for forgiveness than with the
outrageous demands of the love that Christ imposed upon them.
We are so like the disciples. We want to draw a line and say. "This far
- no more. I'll forgive you once, but don't do it again. Now that you're
forgiven, you'd better shape up!". Yet God's love doesn't recognise "again".
He forgives, and no matter how often we come to him in repentance
for repeated offenses, his arms of forgiveness are open to us.
That is the way God wants us to forgive. He wants us to lay aside our
checklists, put away our suspicions, abandon our scoreboards, and forgive.
Seven times, or seventy times seven, as often as we have sinned against God
and been forgiven, we are to forgive.
Application
a) Have I ever kept a "scorecard" of performance on someone I
have forgiven ? Why?
b) Why do I need "increased faith" to be able to forgive as
Jesus calls me to?
4) Prosperity verses from Kenneth Copeland
Joshua 1:8
8 (Ps 19:14; 119:15) This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth.
Meditate on it day and night so that you may act carefully according to all
that is written in it. For then you will make your way successful,
and you will be wise.
8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt
meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according
to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous,
and then thou shalt have good success.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are discouraged or Depressed
Matthew 11:25-30
25 (Ps 8:2; Jn 11:41) At that time Jesus said, "I thank You, O Father,
Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things
from the wise and prudent and revealed them to infants.
26 Even so, Father, for it seemed good in Your sight.
27 (Jn 10:15; Mt 28:18; Jn 1:18) "All things are delivered to Me
by My Father, and no one knows the Son, except the Father.
And no one knows the Father, except the Son and he to whom
the Son will reveal Him.
28 (Jn 7:37; 6:37) "Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavily
burdened, and I will give you rest.
29 (Jer 6:16; Jn 13:15) Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me.
For I am meek and lowly in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.(Jer 6:16).
30 (1Jn 5:3) For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light."
because He has dealt bountifully with me.
The Hidden Revelation
25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father,
Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things
from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.
27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man
knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father,
save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek
and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2023 edition?)
The Northern Territories of Canada
Yukon
Yukon Total population (2015) 36500 Muslim (est) 69
In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families
in 2001 to more than 60 people in 2014. Originally meeting in a church,
they now meet for prayer service in a former office space.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Northwest Territories (NWT)
NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473
The Muslim community of Yellowknife has grown from 275 to 330 un the past year.
To replace their inadequate facility, they are planning a C$2 to C$2.5 million
Islamic Centre.
Pray that the Muslims in Yellowknife and all of the NWT will awaken to
spiritual hunger and be open to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Nunavut (NU)
NU total population (2015) 36600 Muslim (est) 86
The Islamic Centre of Iqaluit now claim about 100 Muslims and have surpassed
80 % of their funding goal to building the first mosque in this territory.
Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam
in the far northern reaches of Canada."
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
20th Day of the Month
a) Pray for the children of Canada, that they would come to know
Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord.
( Matthew 19:14
14 (Mt 18:3; Lk 18:16-17)
But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me,
and do not forbid them. For to such belongs the kingdom of heaven."
14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not,
to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
)
b) Pray that Christians will recognise that our struggle is not
against the natural world but against invisible spiritual forces.
(
Eph 6:12
12 (Eph 1:3; 1:21) For our fight is not against flesh and blood,
but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers
of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual forces
of evil in the heavenly places.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against
spiritual wickedness in high places.
)
Advent day 25
From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle by Joel Heck
"Enemy-occupied territory-that is what this world is.
Christianity is the story of how the rightful king has landed...
and is calling us all to take part in a great campaign of sabotage.
When you go to church you are really listening-in to the secret
wireless from our friends: that is why the enemy is so anxious
to prevent us from going." - C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in Mere Christianity, p. 46.)
A Campaign of Sabotage
C. S. Lewis wrote his most influential book, Mere Christianity,
in the middle of World War Two. The talks that became the basis
for this book were broadcast on the BBC between 1941 and 1944.
Lewis used numerous military allusions in that book,
in one case describing this world as "enemy-occupied territory."
Humanity has been invaded by an enemy: Satan.
He occupies the territory in which we live. "The rightful king"
has arrived and is in the process of taking back the territory,
but not as the Allies did on D-Day, June 6, 1944,
invading the beaches of Normandy in a full-scale assault
on German positions.
Jesus did not use tanks, planes, or artillery.
He arrived almost incognito. Few knew, even though it had been
predicted for centuries. Jesus came in disguise-as a baby.
No one would expect much opposition from a baby, but babies
have the power to wrap their parents around their little finger.
This baby had a lot more power than that, in fact, all power
and authority, and one day that authority will be visible
for all to see. But not yet.
Until then, we Christians acknowledge the power and authority
of this rightful king. We participate in his campaign of sabotage
against the enemy. We arm ourselves with the sword of the Spirit,
the Word of God, and with the shield of faith, the breastplate
of righteousness, the belt of truth, and the shoes of the gospel
of peace. The message of the gospel is our best sabotage
against the power of Satan. Its power to forgive sins
is our best weapon.
Jesus, my King, make me aware of the enemy,
aware of your power over him, and especially
aware of your power to forgive sins. Amen.
10 (Eph 1:19; 1Co 16:13) Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord
and in the power of His might.
11 (Eph 6:13; Ro 13:12; Eph 4:14) Put on the whole armour of God that
you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
Ephesians 6:10-11
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
WEDNESDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT
Exactly The Right Time
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus
that the entire inhabited earth should be taxed.
-Luke 2:1
God's timing is always stunning! When it was exactly the right
moment for the Christ Child to be born, "all the world" cooperated.
The Emperor Augustus issued an order,
and everyone had to go to their ancestral home.
This was the first registration, we are notified in verse 2,
to be commanded when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
Whether this means that other enrollments were levied later on we
are not told, but this one made history-not because of its intention
to number the extent of the Roman Empire or to record the names
of Rome's conquerees for taxation purposes, but because the titles
of those rulers are now perpetually associated with the Messiah's birth.
You were born, too, at exactly the right time. God planned all your gifts
and calculated at what point in history your presence would be pivotal.
How we adore the All-Knowing One for his incredible timing!
Prayer
How can we adequately praise you, Great Designer,
that we were born when we could best serve you? Amen.
Read Luke 2:1-7.
Luke 2
The Birth of Jesus
Mt 1:18-25
1 (Lk 3:1; Mt 24:14) In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus
that the entire inhabited earth should be taxed.
2 (Lk 3:1) This taxation was first made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3 And everyone went to his own city to be taxed.
4 (Jn 7:42; 1Sa 16:1) So Joseph also departed from the city of Nazareth
in Galilee to the City of David which is called Bethlehem, in Judea,
because he was of the house and lineage of David,
5 to be taxed with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
6 So while they were there, the day came for her to give birth.
7 (Mt 1:25; Lk 2:11-12) And she gave birth to her firstborn Son,
and wrapped Him in strips of cloth, and laid Him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn.
From the Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
FOURTH WEDNESDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ADORATION!
And his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.ISAIAH 9:6
In the days leading up to Christmas we're counting the days. The malls
are full. The carols continue. The Santas are weary. The mail carriers are
burdened. The children are hyper. And we can almost hear the cattle
lowing (whatever lowing is!.
In theses days we're ready to adore the Baby Jesus. as well we should.
Today's lesson spells it out so well: "A child has been born for us, a son
given to us." "Oh, come let us adore him. Christ the Lord!"
But look again in the stable. For too long we've seen the manger as
a "sanitary shed," white and neat and clean and perfect. But it wasn't
that way at all. It was messy and smelly and germy and . .. well ... human.
And that's exactly why we adore him! Because Christ didn't wait for us
to clean up our dirty and messy lives before he came to redeem us.
Not at all:He entered our sin-filled stables "lust as we are." He came as
a God sized man to rid us of our man-sized gods.
Check out the Christmas cards you are receiving. How many of them really
'depict the human stable where Jesus was born? He may look "adorable,"
but that is not why we adore him. We adore him because he has come
to be our Saviour. And we might add: our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace!
Lord, we come to adore you because you have come to us. Keep coming,
Lord. into our messy lives. Clean us up as only you can do.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Isaiah 9:2-7.
2 (Eph 5:8; Mt 4:16) The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death,
upon them the light has shined.
3 (1Sa 30:16; Isa 26:15) You have multiplied the nation
and increased the joy;
they rejoice before You
according to the joy of harvest
and as men rejoice
when they divide the spoil.
4 (Isa 14:25; 10:26-27) For You have broken the yoke of his burden
and the bar of his shoulder,
the rod of his oppressor
as in the day of Midian's defeat.
5 For all the sandals of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 (Isa 7:14; Mt 28:18; Lk 2:11) For unto us a child is born,
unto us a son is given,
and the government shall be upon his shoulder.
And his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
7 (Isa 37:32; Da 2:44) Of the increase of his government and peace
there shall be no end,
upon the throne of David
and over his kingdom,
to order it and to establish it
with justice and with righteousness,
from now until forever.
The zeal of the Lord of Hosts
will perform this.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to know Him as love.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, thank You for forgiving and forgetting my sins."
Pray to the Lord and pray to be a forgiver without the scorecard.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Word so it does not depart from your
mouth .
Pray to the Lord and pray to give Him all your burdens.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for the children of Canada, that they would come to know
Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord.
Pray that Christians will recognise that our struggle is not
against the natural world but against invisible spiritual forces.
Jesus, my King, make me aware of the enemy,
aware of your power over him, and especially
aware of your power to forgive sins. Amen.
Pray: How can we adequately praise you, Great Designer,
that we were born when we could best serve you? Amen.
Pray: Lord, we come to adore you because you have come to us. Keep coming,
Lord. into our messy lives. Clean us up as only you can do.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray for believers in the Nubia Mountains in Sudan who are receiving care
packages and other means of practical aid.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.