I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name. I am writing to you, fathers,because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, dear children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men, because you are strong,and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one. Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. (1 John 2:12-17)
The apostle John wrote so that we may believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and live with Him eternally. It was a two-part message;
belief and a
life honoring the Savior. You see,Christ did not leave heaven, come into this vile world, die a violent death and rise from the grave simply so would stay out of hell! One buys
fire insurance for a house, not for a
life!
Jesus went through it all so we may have a relationship with Him . . . an eternal relationship with Him!
John felt the need to explain why he was writing. I do as well. People often ask
why I write nearly every day and share my thoughts. Some think I am doing it for
attention. Others may believe it is for
pity or
support for ministry work. However, I do it because God has
compelled me to do so. He has gifted me to share His Word and apply it. I have a
burden for souls; lost souls, confused souls, souls which have been
duped,
young souls in particular!
Yet this is what CHRISTmas is all about! A gift is no good if it is left under the tree. It is useless if it is opened and then left in a closet or a toy box. No . . . a REAL GIFT is received with joy, opened with excitement, and then enjoyed day after day and year after year!
Jesus said it best when speaking to the Pharisees. He explained the difference between
religion and
relationship. Anyone can
go through the motions of church. Anyone can look good on the surface and do the
ritualistic Christian activities. However, a true
follower of Jesus Christ will desire an
intimate relationship with Him day after day and year after year. It will be
cherished more than anything we have ever received!
"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."(John 10:10)
Have you
received Christ? Have you
opened up to Him? Do you
enjoy the relationship?
Merry
CHRISTmas . . . enjoy
THE GIFT!
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