That Brother
He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.
1 John 2:9
Reading:
1 John 2:7-17
Light or darkness — where do I live?
Is there any brother I do not love?
Am I protecting any sin of mine?
What is my relationship with Him that is from the beginning?
Do I fight against the wicked one?
Where does God’s Word fit in my life?
What is my relationship with the world and its things?
How strong is my commitment to and zeal for doing the will of God?
“And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever” (1 John 2:17).
![[The Scriptures say in 1 John 2:8 -- The darkness is past, and the true light now shineth]](/pantinghart/wp-content/darkness-is-past.jpg "God's Word says: The darkness is past, and the true light now shineth (1 John 2:8)")
from 1 John 2:8
This chapter is real “rubber meets the road” Christian faith. It slashes the argument of Calvinists who insist “once saved, always saved” — regardless of where the person is now in their life or faith. It lays bare the “fighting Fundie” attitudeof those who may well defend (some) doctrine, but lack in Christian charity to those who differ. It cuts asunder those who claim “as long as we love Jesus, that’s all that’s important” — for they don’t want to expose wickedness in doctrine or life. And it brings us up short, if we’re feeling smug and “better than thou” toward any.
Thanks, Mark. We need a good dose of Biblical reality — especially on Monday!