I think John would cringe at American christianity! If he could write a letter to us today, what kind of letter do you think it would be? I doubt it would be a happy letter. Here is a man who literally walked with Jesus. Here is a man whose life was change because of his relationship with Jesus. Here is a man who was brutally tortured because of Jesus. His words need to inform our christianity. His words are the words of God.
Without question both James and John question the claims of "christians". Even in the first century there were apparently those who were "posers". With their mouth they would say one thing and with their life declare something completely different. It is not unclear that John believed and taught that christians will distinguish themselves by their obedience to Christ. Yesterday the main thing was confession. Today the main thing is obedience.
If these were the two standards to measure true faith, how would we do?
Right on. What was evident to me: MUST obey His commands. Commands = walk as Jesus did = love others... In sacrificial ways... When we really don't want to...And towards "enemies" as well... like Jesus did for us! Always seems to come down to LOVE. And more so.. This crazy new testament love Jesus brought in.
ReplyDelete