The Book of 1 John

 

The First Epistle of John was written in Ephesus about 90-110 AD, apparently by the same author or authors who wrote the Gospel of John and the other two epistles of John. Not actually a letter, it is a sermon written to counter the heresy that Jesus did not come "in the flesh" but only as a spirit. It also defines how Christians are to discern true teachers: by their ethics, their proclamation of Jesus in the flesh, and by their love. John will correct any confusing teachings about Jesus coming in the flesh, and what it means to become a true Christian discerning truth from tradition.

1 John 1

 1That 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; We have seen and touched the Word of Life, Jesus Christ who was from the beginning. Christ was the Word in the beginning. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1).

 2For 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. Christ is that eternal life that was made known to us. He came in the flesh as "God with us," in order to defeat death, giving us a chance at eternal life.

 3That 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. We have seen it and experienced it, and you can also have this fellowship with Christ. John is telling us that "they were there," and witnessed everything. He wants the reader of this book to understand that they have the same chance and ability to know God and have a relationship with Jesus Christ as they had.

 4And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. If you believe these things in this letter, then you can also have peace of mind and be full of joy.

 5This 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. God is that eternal light that will make all things clear. There is no darkness in Him; all the darkness belongs to Satan. "Always turn to the light."

 6If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: If we walk in spiritual darkness, we do not know the Word or Christ. "Follow the darkness, and you will not find eternal life."

 7But 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. If we walk in the light and fellowship with Christ, He cleanses us from all sin. We will then live a more righteous and fulfilling life.

 8If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we say we will never sin, we are only fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth. Many believe that once you are saved you cannot sin. Not so! We are all sinners as long as we are in this flesh body. (The idea is to learn from our mistakes and move on in the right direction).

 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we confess our sins, we can count on God to wash away all our sins. Why? Because Christ became that one time sacrifice for our sins as well as the sins of the world. However, never confess to some man... Confess your sins directly to God when needed.

 10If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. If we say we have not sinned, we are lying to ourselves and we are calling God a liar, because He said we have all sinned. (Romans 3:23). You can't fool God, He knows all your faults.

I John 2

 1My 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: I am telling you this so that you will stay away from sin. But if you sin, we have someone to plead for your sins which is Jesus Christ. All of us will sin at times and we must repent. This word sin here is (Habitual sinner), or someone who makes a habit of sinning. They do not care who they hurt as long as it benefits themselves. They don't care about God or any of His laws.

 2And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. Christ is the atoning sacrifice that paid the price on the cross for our sins. (All our sins and for the sins of the world). But, this is only for our sins of the past, not our future sins. Again, we will always sin at times and we must repent for our sins on a regular basis. Talk to the Heavenly Father, He knows you have problems that need attention.

 3And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. Breaking the commandments is sin, so we must look within ourselves and ask; Are we really trying to do what He wants us to? If we try our best and our intensions are good, that is all God expects from us in these flesh bodies. The commandments are the guidelines that we should follow to help us avoid sinning.

 4He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. If someone says they are a Christian and does not try to keep the commandments of God; they are a liar. God knows that we will all sin again and again, but He just wants us to be honest with Him and to ask for help when we need it. The key is to do your best not to sin and avoid circumstances that will lead to sinning.

 5But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. Those who obey Christ and keep His Word will learn to love God more and more. Perfection takes time, and you must come to maturity in the Word and work at it. Get out of the milk and into the meat of the Word. "If you search and study the scriptures, you will have less chance of sinning." The word keeps you straight on track and away from all the drama in the world. Knowing the truth is spiritual knowledge, and this spiritual knowledge has power to prevent and fight against sin.

 6He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. Anyone who says they are a Christian should try to live as Christ did. This word (abideth), is to (dwell with Him). Christ walked it perfect because He was perfect in every way. "We are not." We are always going to mess up and sin at times and Christ knows it. He just wants us to hang with Him as you would a good friend and He will set the example. We just need to do our best to follow Him. "Trying your best is always good with God."

 7Brethren, 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. God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. The old law remains; but the ordinances were nailed to the cross at the crucifixion. Never let anyone tell you that the laws of God do not apply to us any longer. "This country was founded and built upon the laws of God." The problem with this country today is that they are letting God's laws dwindle away, being replaced by mans laws and political correctness.

 8Again, 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. This commandment will work for you just as it did Christ; and as we obey this commandment, "to love one another," the darkness in our lives will disappear and the new light of Christ will shine in. "Easy to say but hard to do in a world of hate and prejudice acts."

 9He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. This word brother in the Greek is "adelphos" (as a connective particle, the womb; a brother literally or figuratively). We are speaking of a family member here. You are not to hate them, because they are family. This could also apply to fellow man, in as much as we are all of the same family of God. However, this does not mean that we need to except them and their ways. If they do not care about God and walk disorderly, we are to separate ourselves from them. (2 Thessalonians 3:6).

 10He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. He who shows love (in a social or moral sense), and compassion for his brother or sister and fellow man or woman, walks in the light. Keep your mind focused on Christ, for He is the light.

 11But 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. You can separate yourself, but never let it turn to hate because it will blind you. If you feed on hate it will tear you apart. If you need to forget someone because it bothers you, ask the Father for help. "Out of site, out of mind."

 12I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. Christ paid the atoning price. He made amends for our sins.

 13I 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. Know the Word of God from the beginning, so that you may also overcome Satan's evil spirit. If you do not know what truly happened in the garden, you will never know what to expect in the end times.

 14I 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. Know the eternal God from the beginning. (John 1:1). From the first earth age till present time. Overcome the wicked one by walking in the light. "Remember that spiritual knowledge will be your best defense against Satan."

 15Love 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. Stop loving this evil world and all that it offers you. If you are involved and love the things of this world, this shows that you do not really love God. Always thinking of money and material things. Always trying to stay ahead of the other guy no matter what the cost. "Watch your priorities." The day of the Lord is coming. (2 Peter 3:10).

 16For 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. All the worldly things, evil desires, craze for sex, the ambition to buy everything that appeals to you, and the pride that comes from wealth, winning, and thinking one is so important. These things are not of God, but rather from this evil world itself. Remember that the world hated Christ; What are they going to think of you if you claim to be a true Christian? "Teach the truth in the word and they may even hate you more."

 17And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. This world is fading away and all the evil and forbidden things will go with it. But, those doing the will of God will live forever. Again, where are your priorities? In the worldly things, or the things of Christ.

 18Little 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. This world's last hour has come. You have heard about the anti-Christ who comes first and is against God. Many fakes are already here in the world today and more will come in the form of false prophets and teachers of deception. (Matthew 24:24). "Do not be deceived." (Many priests, pastors, Rabbi's and ministers are not what they seem to be).

 19They 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. We are speaking of the Kenites here. "Sons of Cain," or sons of the devil. They are still with us today, but are not of the light. Read our newsletter study topic titled "Son of Cain" for a better understanding of who the kenites are.

 20But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. If you are in the light, you will have an anointing of the Holy Spirit to know all things. "The Holy Spirit will open all truth to you, if you have eyes to see and ears to hear the word."

 21I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Learn to discern the truth. You should know a lie if you hear it, and are of the light.

 22Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Who is the greatest liar? Satan! The father of all lies. The Kenites (Sons of Cain, or sons of Satan), are also liars who say Jesus is not Christ. (John 8:44-47).

 23Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. Anyone who denies Christ cannot have the Father either. But, he who has Christ, also has the Father.

 24Let 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. Let the Word dwell in you and you will be walking in the light and close fellowship with the Father and His Son. "Stay in the word of a daily basis if possible."

 25And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. If you do what Christ says to the best of your ability, you have eternal life promised to you.

 26These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. Holy seduce! Those who would like to put the blinders on you and lead you astray. Those who put you in bondage with false doctrines and traditions of men. How is your church doing? Do you feel in bondage, or do you feel like a free agent? Remember, "The truth in Gods Word will set you free."

 27But 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. When you dwell in the light which is Christ, the Holy Spirit will teach you all things when it comes to discerning truth. Don't listen to any man or woman who is contrary to God's Word. You don't need them to clutter your mind with traditions and false teachings. "Again, the Holy Spirit will guide you to all truth as a free agent of the living God."

 28And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. Dwell and stay in fellowship with the Lord, so that you are not ashamed to face Him at His return in the second advent. "Don't be led astray with false teachings and denominational doctrines." But more important than that; "don't let them lead you to the false-Christ who comes first pretending to be Christ.

 29If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. God is always good and only does right. We may rightly assume that all those who do right are His children and born of Him. Not born again; but rather born from above. You will know when the Holy Spirit dwells within you; its a never ending battle between good and evil, but the good spirit will prevail.

I John 3

 1Behold, 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. Our Heavenly Father loves us so much that He calls us His children. (Saints of God). Since most people of the world do not truly know God, they do not understand that we are His children. Again, the "Saints of God," are those who truly know Him. "You get to know God through His word."

 2Beloved, 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. We can't imagine what it will be like later on, but we know that when He appears on the scene again, we will be like Him. Christ was 33 years old when He was crucified, and when He returns, He will be just as when He left. We will be like Him as a result of seeing Him as He really is. No, you will not look like Christ, but you were made in His image as an individual, and you will have His Spirit and Knowledge within. "We will all be changed to our spirit bodies." Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, The secret Paul is revealing here is that; we may not all die and experience physical death, but we will all be transformed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (1 Corinthians 15:51-52). The last trump "the seventh trump." (Revelation 8:2). We will be raised to live forever. (Revelation 11:15).

 3And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. If we really believe this, we will try to stay pure because Christ is pure. Pure in spirit by loving Him and wanting to understand Him. We must do our best to stay focused in these flesh bodies. Rebuke sin and the devil; "In Jesus name."

 4Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. Those who willingly keep sinning against God and His law are against God. Sin is the transgression of the law, and is against the will of God. Now many may tell you that the law was done away with, but this is not true. The blood ordinances were done away with because they were nailed to the cross, but the commandments of God still stand. Our own constitution was drawn up from the scriptures. "God's law!" Then like everything else, man screwed everything up and began to add their own rules and regulations.

 5And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. In Christ there was no sin. "He was perfect in every way." Christ became a man so that He could pay the price for all of our sins, and He did through the crucifixion.

 6Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. If we stay close to Him and His Word being obedient to Him, we won't be sinning all the time. "Again, we are speaking of the habitual sinner." One who does not have any faith and does not care about God, or the knowledge in His Word. They keep sinning because they never really known Him or become part of Him. All of us are sinners in the flesh at times, but we must repent to keep the slate clean.

 7Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. Do not be deceived! You will know them by their fruit. "Look for those who are constantly doing good." I will go even one step further and ask, are you doing good in the Word according to the will of God, or the ways of the world?

 8He 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. If you keep sinning in this manner, it shows that you belong to the devil. Satan is the head sinner right from the beginning, when he rebelled against God. But, the only begotten Son came to destroy the works of the devil and "death" who is the devil. (Hebrews 2:14).

 9Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. The person who has been born into God's family does not make a practice of sinning, because God's spirit is in him. "One who is born from above." Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (John 3:3). Jesus tells us, unless you are born again (born from above, i.e. Divine power), you cannot see the Kingdom of God." (John 1:51, James 1:17), All good and perfect things come from God. Christ was perfect in the flesh; we can't be perfect in the flesh as Christ was. Only in a spiritual sense do we have a chance of perfection.

 10In 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. This is how you tell who is a child of God and who is a child of the devil. By what they do! You can read about how the children of the devil came about from the beginning. (Genesis 3:15-16).

 11For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. We need to try our best to love our fellow Christian brother. At times this may be hard; humble yourself, and do your best to be the one to make the connection. "God will reward you for it."

 12Not 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. We are not to be as Cain, who was of the wicked one. Cain was the first murderer and was of the seed of Satan from which the kenites came. Christ taught this in the book of Matthew, after the parable of the sower. That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world. Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. (Matthew 13:35-39) Paul also taught that Eve was beguiled (Wholly seduced). (2 Corinthians 11:1-3, Just as in Genesis 3:15-16).

 13Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. Don't be surprised if the world hates you for teaching the truth. They hated Christ because they could not take the truth, just as so many today. Popular doctrine and traditions of men are worthless in God's world. Remember, if you want to be a free agent in Christ; "Only the truth will set you free."

 14We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. If we love our Christian brothers, that proves that we have been delivered from hell and given eternal life. But, those who have no love for a fellow Christian brother is headed for eternal death. "We are all in this together as the many member body of Christ."

 15Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. Anyone who hates his Christian brother is really a murderer at heart. No one wanting to murder has eternal life within.

 16Hereby 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. Do not be afraid to go a little out of your way to help one who needs spiritual help. Christ went out of His way for you. "Its part of our job as a disciple of Christ."

 17But 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? Have a little compassion for others when in need of spiritual help, either real love or tough love. How should we treat a fellow brother? Read (2 Thessalonians 3:5-15).

 18My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. Don't just talk about it or keep a truth to yourself. Get out their and spread the Word sharing your faith. Again, its part of our Job as a disciple of Christ.

 19And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. If we share a truth or our faith with others, we will know by our actions that we are on God's side and our consciences will be clear, even when we stand before God.

 20For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. If we have a bad conscience and feel we have done wrong, God will also know it because He knows everything we do. God is able to overcome any of our downfalls.

 21Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. If our consciences are clear, we can come to the Lord with assurance and trust.

 22And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. If you please God and keep His commandments, He will please you. What commandments? The "ten commandments" as they are written in the bible, not the ones changed by man.

 23And 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. God has commanded that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and to love one another when all possible. "Notice that I say when all possible." At times many friends or family members will push you away because of their lack of love for you. If that is the case, just move on, "life is to short to dwell on the impossible."

 24And 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. Those who obey God's commandments to the best of their ability are living with God as He abides or mansions with them. We know this is true because the "Holy Spirit" that He has given us tells us so. "Do your best, keep the faith, fight the fight, and God will dwell within you forever."

I John 4

 1Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Don't believe everything you hear just because someone says it is a message from God. There are a lot of false prophets and teachers in the world. Be familiar with God's Word and you will not be deceived. Remember that all wisdom comes from God. (Proverbs 1:7).

 2Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: Here is how you tell... If the message is from the Holy Spirit it will agree with the Word of God. The main message being that Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, actually became man in a human flesh body. He would then be crucified for our sins, defeating death through the resurrection so that we may have eternal life. (Foretold in the old testament Psalms 22, 1,000 years before the crucifixion).

 3And 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. Beware of false teachers, traditions of men and false teachings. These are of the anti-Christ and those against God. Remember that Satan is coming soon, and his attitude of enmity against Christ as well as Christians is already abroad in the world. You can see it in the schools, the government, and in families; God is being removed from everyday life and the public is letting political correctness take over. (The new generations are becoming to sensitive and we don't want to offend them).

 4Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. We have the victory because God is greater than the world, Satan, or any evil teachers in this wicked world. All this sensitive crap and political correctness is about to get a wakeup call from God. Wonder why we are facing perilous times around the world? God is not happy with the way this country is heading, and it is in for a big surprise real soon!

 5They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. These men and women belong to the world and are always concerned about world affairs; that is why the world pays attention to them. (False teachers, false prophets, childlike political leaders, and the polluted media that spreads the trash).

 6We 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. Only those who are children of God will listen to us. (Will listen to the truth of the Word). Others won't! That is another way to discern if the message of truth is from God; if it is, the world will not listen to it. (The world would rather follow what is popular and traditions of men). The majority of people today do not have a clue about what is going on, or what is about to take place in the near future. People are wrapped up in their jobs, picked fence homes, partying and lavish living; always competing to see who gets ahead first, but never have time for God.

 7Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. "Practice loving each other." Those who are loving and kind show that they are children of God. As Paul would teach how to treat a brother or sister in the book of Thessalonians. (2 Thessalonians 3:6-15).

 8He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. If a person is not loving and kind to others, it shows that they do not know God, because God is love. Does this mean we cannot ever get upset with others? Absolutely not! We are all human, and many times people will push you to the limit. Sometimes they may even need an attitude adjustment. "Don't take anyone's crap just because your a Christian." Stand up for yourself and your faith! The key here is to treat others like you would like to be treated.

 9In 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. God showed how much He love us by sending His only begotten Son into this wicked world to bring us eternal life through His death.

 10Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Christ became the atonement for our sins and is now our mediator between us and God. Christ is also the mediator between you and the world. He makes things happen... TRUST IN HIM!

 11Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. We should love each other also because we are all family in Christ. Do your best to love your fellow man, but don't become someone's door mat or stepping stone. If you can't get along with someone, stay away from them.

 12No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. When God lives in us, our love begins to perfect and mature. As mature Christians we begin to understand love more. How many times have you heard someone say, they don't know what love is? God is love and the beginning of all understanding. "True love comes from the spirit within."

 13Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. God gave us the gift of the "Holy Spirit" to dwell in our hearts to show us that He will live in us and us in Him.

 14And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. They have seen that God has sent a Savior to the world. Spoken of in the Old Testament (Psalms 22, Zechariah 9:9-10).

 15Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. Believe in Jesus; The only begotten Son of God. "This is the way to true salvation."

 16And 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. God is love and we should try to love as He does. Remember that there is gentle love and tough love. Don't spoil someone or become an enabler because you are afraid to use a little tough love. That's the problem with the world today; just give the child a time out or a redirection, when they need a good slap on the ass. You might even hear "they are to sensitive and we don't want to upset them." Bring back the old woodshed and your children will grow up much more disciplined and respectful.

 17Herein 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. As we live in Christ our love grows and matures so we become more complete. We will not need to be ashamed at judgment day if we will try to love as Christ did in the world. Judgment for us will be a good thing.

 18There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We need not fear someone who loves us perfectly. Perfect love will cast out fear and evil. Satan fears a real "child of God" and cannot hurt one hair on your head! (Luke 21:18, Revelation 9:4). You have power over Satan! (Luke 10:19, James 4:7).

 19We love him, because he first loved us. Our love for God comes as a result of His loving us first. God chose you for His own pleasure. (Revelation 4:11).

 20If 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? If anyone says He loves God but keeps hating his brother, he is a liar. If he cannot love someone who he has seen, how can he love someone who he has not seen. Again we are speaking of a brother who walks according to the will of God. If they walk according to the ways of the world, you do not need to follow their ways. Be your own person, and don't be a wimp and let everyone walk over you. If someone needs a attitude adjustment; give it to them. It is called tough love and it works.

 21And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also. God has said that one should not love only God, but his brother too. (Not as Cain and Abel). Do your best to love your fellow man, for when it is all over, we will all be part of the many member body of Christ.

I John 5

 1Whosoever 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. If you believe that Christ is the Son of God (born from above), then you are a child of God. "When you love Christ you love the Father."

 2By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. Love one another as we are of the same family, one body in God. This is one of His commandments and we are to do our best to keep all His commandments.

 3For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. Loving God means doing what He tells us to do. His commandments and word are truth, and the truth shall set you free. Never let some denominational church, or cult put you in bondage with their rules, regulations, and traditions of men.

 4For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. We are to overcome the world, defeating sin by trusting in Christ to help us. That is what faith is, and without it it, you cannot please God. (Hebrews 2:14).

 5Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? Who could possibly fight and win this battle to overcome the world today except that we believe that Jesus is the Son of God. "Without Christ and the Holy Spirit we have no chance."

 6This 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. God said with a voice from heaven that Jesus Christ was His only begotten Son, when Jesus was baptized and again when He was facing death as the Holy Spirit bear witness.

 7For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. Unity that bear witness in heaven. "The full God head." Remember that Christ is the Word. (John 1:1).

 8And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. The Holy Spirit, the voice of God at the baptism of Christ, and the voice of God before Christ died on the cross bear witness on earth.

 9If 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. We believe in men who witness in our courts, so we should surely believe whatever God declares.

 10He 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. You either believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God or you don't. If you don't, you are calling God a liar. Jesus Christ is written of in the Old Testament and spoken of by the prophets. The crucifixion written by the prophets 1,000 years before it took place. Everything took place just as it was written.

 11And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Through the Word of God, (His record). God has given us eternal life through Christ. "Without Christ, you have no chance at salvation."

 12He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. Your choice! Eternal life through Christ, or death through Satan. Yes, the devil holds the power of death! (Hebrews 2:14). But, Satan's power was broken by the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Stay in Christ and you never need to fear death. "Christ defeated death." (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).

 13These 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. Written to you so that you know that you have eternal life through Christ. Why? So you can share it with others. You plant the seed and let the Heavenly Father make it grow. Not all seeds will sprout, just as when you share a truth with someone, they may not listen. Its up to the heavenly Father and the individual receiving the truth. If they show interest, God will let the truth spread to more truth. If they are not interested, He may just pass them by.

 14And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: We can be sure that God will listen to us whenever we ask for anything in line with His will. (Ask for things of the spirit, or wisdom to help you in teaching His Word). "God loves that." Its not all about material things and money.

 15And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. If we really know He is listening when we talk to Him, then we can be sure He will answer us in some way. "God knows what we need."

 16If 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. We are speaking of intercessory prayer. "But it must be according to God's will." The one sin to death would be the unpardonable sin written in (Luke 12:9-10).

 17All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death. Every wrong is a sin. We are all sinners and mess up at times, but we can be forgiven through repentance to the Heavenly Father.

 18We 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. One who has excepted Christ spiritually as Lord and Savior (those truly with a new spiritual change of heart), should try to sin no longer. One who messes up once in a while and is forgiven through repentance. (Not the habitual sinner). Christ was God's only begotten Son that kept Himself from sin, and Satan could not touch Him. (Satan cannot overcome Christ). Stay in Christ and Satan cannot touch you either.

 19And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. When you are a new person in Christ, we are part of God's family now and no longer under the control of Satan and the ways of the world. Lying, cheating, gossiping, scamming, killing, usury, sexual perversion etc.

 20And 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. We are speaking of the "one and only" true God. Jesus Christ; Emmanuel, "God with us." Not the fake antichrist that comes first to deceive the world.

 21Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen. The apostasy, idol worship, keep away from anything that might take God's place in your hearts. Keep the faith, and DO NOT BE DECEIVED!

Keep The Faith,
Barton