The “OnFire Cafe” Book Club series “The Study of Scripture”. Come Study with us as we present our new Narration Series “The Seven Letters to Christians” continuing with Part 4 – “The Books of John”. Join us here. The Video contains the narration of the Chapters with images for your entertainment. The series is being uploaded on all the “OnFire Cafe” Channels for easy access.
The Letters of John
1 John 1 , 1 John 2 , 1 John 3 , 1 John 4 , 1 John 5 , 2 John 1 & 3 John 1
The First Letter of John
In the introduction James begins with testimony about confirmation of the presence of the messiah in the world and the offer of eternal life. He speaks of fellowship with the Apostles, God the Father and God the Son Jesus Christ.
To Walk in the Light
John confirms that to walk the path of Jesus Christ is to walk in the light. For there is no darkness in him. If we walk in darkness and claim fellowship with Jesus Christ we are a liar. But if we walk the path of the light in fellowship with Jesus Christ we are cleansed of our sin.
The Conditions of Light
The first condition is to break with sin. If we say we are without sin we are deceiving ourselves. If we confess our sin he is faithful and intercedes with God the father so that he forgives our sin cleansing us.
The second condition to keep the commandments. He emphasizes the need to love one another. If one says that he is a follower of Jesus Christ but does not keep his commandments that person is a liar. But for those who keep God’s word his love is perfected. We strive to walk as Jesus walked. We must love our brothers as ourselves.
The Third condition to detach ourselves from the things of the world. John warns us to love not the world, nor the things of the world. For those who love the world do not have God in him. For God is not of the world, God is of the Spirit.
The Fourth condition is to guard against the antichrists. John points out that those who were among us left but they were not of us, and went into the world. And were not part of us or they would have stayed with us. They are those who deny that God exists and that Jesus is the Lord. And are the Antichrists who are standing in the Dark Spirit. They are the sign that the end time is near. John also reassures us that with the love of Jesus Christ we are promised eternal life.
To Live as God’s Children
John tells us that if we know that Jesus Christ is righteous we know that everyone born of him will also be righteous.
Again The first condition is to break with sin. John speaks about how if we are the sons of God the world will know us not, because the world knew him not. Every man who has faith in the Lord purifies himself. Christ was manifested to take away our sin and there is no sin in him. He that continues in sin is of the devil.
The Second condition is to keep the commandments. We must love one another. Be aware that the world will hate you for the world hated Jesus Christ. Recognize that Jesus laid down his life for us and we should be willing to lay down our lives for our brother. He questions the spirit of those who see the needs of their brothers but do nothing. He warns that to speak a message of compassion without action is mute. For those who are pure of heart God sees them. They can call on the father and he will hear them. He commands we believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior and to love one another.
The third condition is again to be on guard against antichrists and against the world. John warns us not to believe every spirit but to try every spirit to determine if they are good or evil. Know the spirit of God. Every man who proclaim Jesus Christ has come in flesh is of God. Every spirit who proclaims that Jesus Christ has not come in the flesh is not of God and is Antichrist.
The people of the world, are of the world therefore the world hears them. We are of God, therefore the people who know God hear us. Those who do not know God do not hear us. We have the spirit which shows us the truth and the error.
The Source of Love and Faith
Let us love one another. For love comes from God and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He that loves not knows not God. No man has seen God. So if man does not love his fellow man who he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen. If any man says he loves God but hates his brother, he is a liar.
For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world. The spirit of truth bears witness that Jesus Christ came by water and blood. The three who bear record in heaven ; the Father, The Word and The Holy Ghost. And the three who bear witness on earth; The Spirit, the Water and the Blood. He that has the Son has eternal life, and he that does not have the son does not have eternal life.
Prayers for Sinners
John confirms that we can have confidence in God that he will keep his promises. That if he lives in us we can pray to him and he will hear us. He tells us that we can pray for those who sin not unto death to be forgiven. But we can not pray for those who sin unto death to be forgiven.
I was not sure what is meant by a sin unto death. However, my research appears to define it as those who do not believe in God, in Jesus Christ and/or in the Holy Spirit. These sins also known as the blasphemy that is the unforgiveable sins. All sins of disbelief are sins unto death. All sins of unrighteousness are suggested as those which are not unto death. However, this interpretation as all interpretations by man, is subject to prayer for discernment.
The Second Letter of John
In John’s second letter he refers to a lady elect which popular belief is that he is writing to a Church. Referring to the Church as the lady elect and to her congregation as the children. He refers to the Fathers, Sons and children who would also be the congregation split by ages.
The Law of Love
John rejoices that he found them walking in the truth. He reinforces that we should continue to love one another. And in love follow his commandments continuing to walk in that love.
The Enemies of Christ
He warns again of the deceivers who walk among us. Those who do not believe that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. These are deceivers and antichrists. He warns that we should not be tempted and risk losing our just rewards in heaven. John warns of those who do not bring this doctrine and says do not open your door to them. For those who are with them are partakers of the evil deeds.
The Third Letter of John
John speaks again to a Lady elect, as we believe it, a different church. And again he rejoices that he finds the children walking in truth. He again calls to them to love one another. We must walk in love as it has been commanded from the beginning. For there are those who walk among us who do not declare that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. These are the antichrists. Do not be influenced by them or lose your full reward.
Beware of the Example of Diotrephes
Abide in the doctrine of Jesus Christ. Believe in the Heavenly Father and in the Son of God Jesus Christ. John warns if any come to you who do not abide in this doctrine do not open your door to them. Do not become a partaker of his evil deeds.
While working on these letters from John I found new insight into the idea of antichrist. I have always considered only one as it related to Revelation and the mark of the beast prophecy. However, John brings a new light to that dark enemy. He attributes antichrist to anyone who walks in the darkness refusing to acknowledge that Jesus Christ came as flesh. Refusing to accept the lamb of sacrifice for our sins. It appears he also calls these those who commit the sin unto death, that sin which we can not pray to save them from.
He repeats the message to us throughout the letters but it’s very complex in ideas. I will need further meditation and prayer on these letters to bring me to a more complete understanding.
I hope you enjoy the narration.
For the Love of God,
Sparks
