The Gospel Of Repentance

There are many that are convinced the gift of tongues is operative today. They are engaged in the practice of it everyday. What many will say is that it’s a private prayer language to God that, a deeper communion with the Father on a higher spiritual plane. Those that supposedly have the gift in some people’s eyes are the haves, and those who do not speak in tongues are the have nots.  The proponents of this gift are called Charismatics and Pentecostals hence the phrase Charismatic or Pentecostal movement. Those that are convinced the gift has already ceased are called Cessationists. They are the ones that believe the gift ended by the end of the first century beginning of the second century. They insist these sign gifts were for the apostolic era only. Once the apostles died, and God’s revealed word was complete, the gifts ceased.  What do you believe? Are you a Charismatic-Pentecostal or a Cessationist? Who’s right and who’s wrong?  Does it matter? One thing the wri

The elder Apostle begins by commending one of his son’s in ministry, Gaius to whom this letter is written to. John pronounced blessings upon Gaius:            a. That he be in health, vs.2       b. That he prospers as his soul prospers, vs. 2 The word prosper in the Greek is euodoo which is a compound of two Greek words. Eu means well. This root is in the word eulogy means to speak well of. This expression is done at funerals. The second word is hodos , means a way of journey. John was proclaiming physical and spiritual well being on Gaius. A loving gesture from a proud and spiritual father. John was wishing Gaius well. Something we do all the time with people we love and care about. John was full of joy because his son in faith walked and lived in truth. Gaius’s actions spoke louder than his words which should be the desire of all believers. James said, “Be doers of the word and not hearers only deceiving your own selves” (James 2:22), (vs. 1-4). John continu

John the Elder addresses the elect lady, and her children (her name is unknown). John commends that some of her children are abiding in truth. John continues to exhort that they walk in love toward each other. John once again driving the point home regarding love just as he did in his first letter. Obedience to the commandments of God is walking in true love for the Christian. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15), (vs. 1-6). John warns again regarding those that deny the incarnation of Jesus Christ (this heresy once again is called Docetism) . The God/man Jesus is central and fundamental to the Christian faith. These individuals are heretics, deceivers, and antichrists, and are children of the devil. We are to avoid them, and not provide them hospitality knowing that they’re evil. We do not want to endorse, show solidarity to those that promote false doctrine. The only way we can denounce the fake is to know the real – that is scripture. Remembe

The author of this letter  is the same Apostle who wrote the Gospel of John , 2 nd and 3 rd John, along with last book of the Bible, The book of Revelation. It’s easy to see the consistency in style; how the Holy Spirit uses John in this epistle just like he used him in the Gospel of John. This book along with the others were written at the close of the first century according to scholars – around 90-95 A.D. James and John was originally called by Jesus “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17). James who was the older brother of John was killed by Herod (Acts 12:2). John was part of the inner-circle-three along with his brother James and Peter. These three are the ones that were eyewitnesses to the transfiguration of Jesus (Matthew 17:1). John referred to himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved (John 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7, 20). The Apostle by this time is an old man providing eye witness testimony to what he has seen, felt and heard (I John 1:1). The reader can rest assured tha

                                           There are four men named James in the New Testament.  James the brother of John the Apostle (Matt 10:2). The disciple James the son Alpheaus also nicknamed James the “less”(Matt 10:3a). James the father of Judas (not Iscariot, Luke 6:16; Acts 1:13)).  James the half brother of Jesus and brother of Jude who’s the author of the book that bears his name (Jude 1). James the brother of John is eliminated because he was martyred by Herod (Acts 12:2). James the “less” was never considered the author neither was James the father of Judas (not Iscariot). That only leaves James the half brother of Jesus. According to scholars this was the earliest N.T. book written, around 49 A.D. James was not a believer in Jesus until after his resurrection (John 7:5; I Corinthians 15:7). The book focuses on practical obedient living. Commands like, “be doers of the word and not hearers only”  is very straightforward (2:24). Another practical insight

In John 2 we read about the wedding at Cana that Jesus, his Mother, and His disciples attended. When the wine ran out Mary said to Jesus, they have no wine (vs. 3). Jesus replied to His Mother, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with me? Mine hour has not yet come.” Vs. 4. I often wondered why Jesus would address His Mother in this way when she asked Him a simple question. Was her question out of line?  On the surface it seems His reply to her was rude and harsh, but was it? The word hour is the Greek word Hora which simply means any period of time. In relation to Jesus, His hour is dealing with His suffering and death. It’s obvious Mary knew that Jesus could meet her request (though she didn't know how) otherwise she would not have asked Him. Mary told the attendants do whatever Jesus tells you (vs. 5).  Mary’s request was simply a temporal matter, to keep the party going – nothing wrong with that. But, it did not fit into Jesus’ mission. Jesus perform

There are many in the church that are staunch opponents of Christians consuming intoxicating beverages; beer, wine, champagne, rum, vodka, margaritas, etc. Drinking because of the propensity of drunkenness is considered sinful and should be avoided at all costs by Christians some will say. It’s considered worldly, a compromise, carnal and pagan. They are also called "Sippin Saints". But, is this assessment fair? Is it actually sinful for believers to drink, even socially? For the record the writer has never drank – a personal choice. I do not condemn believers that do – their choice. What does the bible have to say about it?                                                                 Old Testament The King-Priest Melchizedek offered bread and wine to Abram after he and his men defeated some kings and rescued his nephew Lot (Genesis 14:18). When Jacob lied to his father Isaac and pretended to be his brother Esau so he could steal the double portion bl