Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/chunks-the-letters-of-john Chunks Bible Mini-Podcasts are designed for Christians who are looking to gain a more personal understanding of the Bible through short devotionals. Each podcast focuses on a specific book of the Bible; each episode is only 5 to 10 minutes long. This podcast is called ”Light and Love,” and will walk you verse by verse through the New Testament letters of the apostle John. Copyright 2024 Cameron Lee. All rights reserved. 66e4bc9c-3d44-5ee7-86b8-a4b097917cb4 no en Thu, 14 Aug 2025 15:20:22 -0300 Wed, 03 Dec 2025 02:31:25 -0400 https://chunkslettersofjohn.transistor.fm/ https://img.transistor.fm/6yrvaDhOhfQJCSphuthXC3oP41pL-PZf7uEWFT9cFTs/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8zZmZm/ZjRkMmM2YzRjMmMy/ZmNhMzI5M2FmZGI5/Y2Q4Ny5qcGc.jpg https://chunkslettersofjohn.transistor.fm/ serial Cameron Lee Chunks Bible Mini-Podcasts are designed for Christians who are looking to gain a more personal understanding of the Bible through short devotionals. Each podcast focuses on a specific book of the Bible; each episode is only 5 to 10 minutes long. This podcast is called ”Light and Love,” and will walk you verse by verse through the New Testament letters of the apostle John. Chunks Bible Mini-Podcasts are designed for Christians who are looking to gain a more personal understanding of the Bible through short devotionals. chunks3lightandlove No No 1 1 Episode 1: With love, anonymous full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/26f14c8f-86a1-3bc2-aac2-db4de185dfdb https://share.transistor.fm/s/9bfa2f74 Reading the letters of the apostle John is a little like listening in on one side of a phone conversation. Even if you can hear what John is saying, he often speaks in generalities. And while the person on the other end of the line would have easily understood his meaning, we are often left to making our best guesses. This first episode of the podcast introduces some of the basic questions that must be addressed, namely, who wrote these letters and why?

]]> Reading the letters of the apostle John is a little like listening in on one side of a phone conversation. Even if you can hear what John is saying, he often speaks in generalities. And while the person on the other end of the line would have easily understood his meaning, we are often left to making our best guesses. This first episode of the podcast introduces some of the basic questions that must be addressed, namely, who wrote these letters and why?

]]> Fri, 03 May 2024 14:12:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 466 Reading the letters of the apostle John is a little like listening in on one side of a phone conversation. Even if you can hear what John is saying, he often speaks in generalities. And while the person on the other end of the line would have easily understood his meaning, we are often left to making our best guesses. This first episode of the podcast introduces some of the basic questions that must be addressed, namely, who wrote these letters and why? Reading the letters of the apostle John is a little like listening in on one side of a phone conversation. Even if you can hear what John is saying, he often speaks in generalities. And while the person on the other end of the line would have easily under No 2 2 Episode 2: But that's not what I meant... full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/005cc2d9-bbc8-3e4c-83b9-7bd7a8445e1f https://share.transistor.fm/s/ae9c9387 We have to read between the lines of John’s letters to get at his reason for writing them. We might think of him as the lead pastor of a community of house churches. It seems that some of the members of the community had begun to believe and teach some heretical ideas about Jesus, possibly based on their willful misreading of John’s gospel, and these ideas were splitting the community. Thus, as this episode will suggest, John wrote as a concerned pastor to help ensure that people held to the truth about Jesus.

]]> We have to read between the lines of John’s letters to get at his reason for writing them. We might think of him as the lead pastor of a community of house churches. It seems that some of the members of the community had begun to believe and teach some heretical ideas about Jesus, possibly based on their willful misreading of John’s gospel, and these ideas were splitting the community. Thus, as this episode will suggest, John wrote as a concerned pastor to help ensure that people held to the truth about Jesus.

]]> Fri, 03 May 2024 14:13:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 461 We have to read between the lines of John’s letters to get at his reason for writing them. We might think of him as the lead pastor of a community of house churches. It seems that some of the members of the community had begun to believe and teach some heretical ideas about Jesus, possibly based on their willful misreading of John’s gospel, and these ideas were splitting the community. Thus, as this episode will suggest, John wrote as a concerned pastor to help ensure that people held to the truth about Jesus. We have to read between the lines of John’s letters to get at his reason for writing them. We might think of him as the lead pastor of a community of house churches. It seems that some of the members of the community had begun to believe and teach some he No 3 3 Episode 3: Beginnings full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/98f6a1cb-0aaf-3f18-8763-62896ec0f52d https://share.transistor.fm/s/966ab2e0 Anyone who reads the four Gospels can easily see how different John’s gospel is from the other three, in both style and content. Much of John’s first letter reflects some of that uniqueness, in ways reminiscent of the Fourth Gospel. And in this third episode, we will see how unique even the very first verse of the first letter is, compared to the other letters of the New Testament.

]]> Anyone who reads the four Gospels can easily see how different John’s gospel is from the other three, in both style and content. Much of John’s first letter reflects some of that uniqueness, in ways reminiscent of the Fourth Gospel. And in this third episode, we will see how unique even the very first verse of the first letter is, compared to the other letters of the New Testament.

]]> Fri, 03 May 2024 14:14:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 423 Anyone who reads the four Gospels can easily see how different John’s gospel is from the other three, in both style and content. Much of John’s first letter reflects some of that uniqueness, in ways reminiscent of the Fourth Gospel. And in this third episode, we will see how unique even the very first verse of the first letter is, compared to the other letters of the New Testament. Anyone who reads the four Gospels can easily see how different John’s gospel is from the other three, in both style and content. Much of John’s first letter reflects some of that uniqueness, in ways reminiscent of the Fourth Gospel. And in this third epis No 4 4 Episode 4: Making common cause full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/807318ca-850c-3823-991e-c585d3163320 https://share.transistor.fm/s/64aa759a When we write messages to other people, it’s common to use pronouns like “I” and “you.” But in the opening four verses of 1 John, the apostle repeatedly says, “we.” Whom does he mean? There are different possibilities—but at the very least, he seems to be embracing his readers, as if to emphasize their mutual fellowship in God the Father and Jesus the Son.

]]> When we write messages to other people, it’s common to use pronouns like “I” and “you.” But in the opening four verses of 1 John, the apostle repeatedly says, “we.” Whom does he mean? There are different possibilities—but at the very least, he seems to be embracing his readers, as if to emphasize their mutual fellowship in God the Father and Jesus the Son.

]]> Fri, 10 May 2024 14:16:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 456 When we write messages to other people, it’s common to use pronouns like “I” and “you.” But in the opening four verses of 1 John, the apostle repeatedly says, “we.” Whom does he mean? There are different possibilities—but at the very least, he seems to be embracing his readers, as if to emphasize their mutual fellowship in God the Father and Jesus the Son. When we write messages to other people, it’s common to use pronouns like “I” and “you.” But in the opening four verses of 1 John, the apostle repeatedly says, “we.” Whom does he mean? There are different possibilities—but at the very least, he seems to be No 5 5 Episode 5: A tangible love full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/3a447811-6078-3612-8fc4-bbc9b2b97978 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d5e94ef4 One of John’s purposes in writing his letters is to correct the false ideas about Jesus that people in the community had heard. To that end, he sometimes seems to emphasize his credentials as an eyewitness to the ministry of Jesus. But this isn’t just a matter of arguing over the facts or who has the authority to speak. He wants his readers to be continue to be astonished at the truth about Jesus: that he was the flesh-and-blood embodiment of the love of God.

]]> One of John’s purposes in writing his letters is to correct the false ideas about Jesus that people in the community had heard. To that end, he sometimes seems to emphasize his credentials as an eyewitness to the ministry of Jesus. But this isn’t just a matter of arguing over the facts or who has the authority to speak. He wants his readers to be continue to be astonished at the truth about Jesus: that he was the flesh-and-blood embodiment of the love of God.

]]> Fri, 10 May 2024 14:17:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 510 One of John’s purposes in writing his letters is to correct the false ideas about Jesus that people in the community had heard. To that end, he sometimes seems to emphasize his credentials as an eyewitness to the ministry of Jesus. But this isn’t just a matter of arguing over the facts or who has the authority to speak. He wants his readers to be continue to be astonished at the truth about Jesus: that he was the flesh-and-blood embodiment of the love of God. One of John’s purposes in writing his letters is to correct the false ideas about Jesus that people in the community had heard. To that end, he sometimes seems to emphasize his credentials as an eyewitness to the ministry of Jesus. But this isn’t just a m No 6 6 Episode 6: Vertigo full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/4a293da6-3aa3-33f9-92e9-7504c356c10a https://share.transistor.fm/s/c498c963 As suggested earlier, John claims to give reliable eyewitness testimony to Jesus. But the full truth about Jesus can't be seen by the naked eye nor reduced to the reportage of a newsfeed article. As this episode will suggest, when John speaks of “eternal life,” he doesn’t just mean that we can live forever. He means something more dizzying: that through Jesus, we are drawn into the life he already shares eternally with his Father.

]]> As suggested earlier, John claims to give reliable eyewitness testimony to Jesus. But the full truth about Jesus can't be seen by the naked eye nor reduced to the reportage of a newsfeed article. As this episode will suggest, when John speaks of “eternal life,” he doesn’t just mean that we can live forever. He means something more dizzying: that through Jesus, we are drawn into the life he already shares eternally with his Father.

]]> Fri, 10 May 2024 14:18:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 384 As suggested earlier, John claims to give reliable eyewitness testimony to Jesus. But the full truth about Jesus can't be seen by the naked eye nor reduced to the reportage of a newsfeed article. As this episode will suggest, when John speaks of “eternal life,” he doesn’t just mean that we can live forever. He means something more dizzying: that through Jesus, we are drawn into the life he already shares eternally with his Father. As suggested earlier, John claims to give reliable eyewitness testimony to Jesus. But the full truth about Jesus can't be seen by the naked eye nor reduced to the reportage of a newsfeed article. As this episode will suggest, when John speaks of “eternal No 7 7 Episode 7: The fellowship of believers full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/fe022509-0ff9-39b7-886f-c965e6a0d355 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1bc4d9c8 In the life of the church, we use the word “fellowship” often, and without much thought. But what does it mean? Enjoying each other’s company? Having fun together? There’s much more to it than that. The biblical idea of fellowship, including what John says in his letters, is a challenge to our more individualistic ways of thinking. And to extend from what was said in the previous episode, John seems to say that we have fellowship with each other by being drawn into the fellowship between the Father and Son.

]]> In the life of the church, we use the word “fellowship” often, and without much thought. But what does it mean? Enjoying each other’s company? Having fun together? There’s much more to it than that. The biblical idea of fellowship, including what John says in his letters, is a challenge to our more individualistic ways of thinking. And to extend from what was said in the previous episode, John seems to say that we have fellowship with each other by being drawn into the fellowship between the Father and Son.

]]> Fri, 17 May 2024 14:18:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 460 In the life of the church, we use the word “fellowship” often, and without much thought. But what does it mean? Enjoying each other’s company? Having fun together? There’s much more to it than that. The biblical idea of fellowship, including what John says in his letters, is a challenge to our more individualistic ways of thinking. And to extend from what was said in the previous episode, John seems to say that we have fellowship with each other by being drawn into the fellowship between the Father and Son. In the life of the church, we use the word “fellowship” often, and without much thought. But what does it mean? Enjoying each other’s company? Having fun together? There’s much more to it than that. The biblical idea of fellowship, including what John say No 8 8 Episode 8: The fellowship of communion full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/b1b8c67a-0c6b-36e9-8218-e6392c3ca587 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c3fb6d00 In this episode, I ask you to reflect on both the way that you have experienced communion or the Lord’s Supper in your church—and then to imagine what John might have remembered of his Last Supper with Jesus. Then consider: what does “communion” mean against the background of what John describes as a fellowship between believers that is also fellowship with the Father and Son?

]]> In this episode, I ask you to reflect on both the way that you have experienced communion or the Lord’s Supper in your church—and then to imagine what John might have remembered of his Last Supper with Jesus. Then consider: what does “communion” mean against the background of what John describes as a fellowship between believers that is also fellowship with the Father and Son?

]]> Fri, 17 May 2024 14:19:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 397 In this episode, I ask you to reflect on both the way that you have experienced communion or the Lord’s Supper in your church—and then to imagine what John might have remembered of his Last Supper with Jesus. Then consider: what does “communion” mean against the background of what John describes as a fellowship between believers that is also fellowship with the Father and Son? In this episode, I ask you to reflect on both the way that you have experienced communion or the Lord’s Supper in your church—and then to imagine what John might have remembered of his Last Supper with Jesus. Then consider: what does “communion” mean agai No 9 9 Episode 9: Joy-full full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/ed07e6f8-2ee4-3e97-a2c9-227753fd837d https://share.transistor.fm/s/c1aa1bf0 In this podcast, we will continually draw connections between the letters of John and his gospel, particularly to what’s known as the “Upper Room Discourse,” or Jesus’ final words to his disciples before his arrest and crucifixion. As John writes about fellowship, he also writes about joy, and in a way that is reminiscent of Jesus’ own teaching. The fellowship of believers should be characterized by joy!

]]> In this podcast, we will continually draw connections between the letters of John and his gospel, particularly to what’s known as the “Upper Room Discourse,” or Jesus’ final words to his disciples before his arrest and crucifixion. As John writes about fellowship, he also writes about joy, and in a way that is reminiscent of Jesus’ own teaching. The fellowship of believers should be characterized by joy!

]]> Fri, 17 May 2024 14:20:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 461 In this podcast, we will continually draw connections between the letters of John and his gospel, particularly to what’s known as the “Upper Room Discourse,” or Jesus’ final words to his disciples before his arrest and crucifixion. As John writes about fellowship, he also writes about joy, and in a way that is reminiscent of Jesus’ own teaching. The fellowship of believers should be characterized by joy! In this podcast, we will continually draw connections between the letters of John and his gospel, particularly to what’s known as the “Upper Room Discourse,” or Jesus’ final words to his disciples before his arrest and crucifixion. As John writes about fe No 10 10 Episode 10: God is light full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/537eace1-f713-3916-8d15-09a6dcae5d89 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ebaf2867 In John’s gospel, Jesus declares himself to be “the light of the world.” Indeed, throughout that gospel, John seems to play with images of darkness and light: Jesus was “the light of all mankind,” for example, while Judas went out into the night to do his dirty work. And one of the most striking claims of 1 John comes only five verses into the letter. “God is light,” he declares, a statement that carries with it a moral imperative: if you believe in and serve a God who is light, then you must not walk in darkness.

]]> In John’s gospel, Jesus declares himself to be “the light of the world.” Indeed, throughout that gospel, John seems to play with images of darkness and light: Jesus was “the light of all mankind,” for example, while Judas went out into the night to do his dirty work. And one of the most striking claims of 1 John comes only five verses into the letter. “God is light,” he declares, a statement that carries with it a moral imperative: if you believe in and serve a God who is light, then you must not walk in darkness.

]]> Fri, 24 May 2024 14:21:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 469 In John’s gospel, Jesus declares himself to be “the light of the world.” Indeed, throughout that gospel, John seems to play with images of darkness and light: Jesus was “the light of all mankind,” for example, while Judas went out into the night to do his dirty work. And one of the most striking claims of 1 John comes only five verses into the letter. “God is light,” he declares, a statement that carries with it a moral imperative: if you believe in and serve a God who is light, then you must not walk in darkness. In John’s gospel, Jesus declares himself to be “the light of the world.” Indeed, throughout that gospel, John seems to play with images of darkness and light: Jesus was “the light of all mankind,” for example, while Judas went out into the night to do his No 11 11 Episode 11: The light of the world full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/f96a12cf-87b0-3a0d-b811-a94e0b538306 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b37d9435 John isn’t the only one to use images of dark and light to convey meaning; you can see it in movies all the time if you look for it. Light versus darkness often symbolize good and evil. As we’ve seen, in his letter, John declares that God is light, and in his gospel, Jesus claims to be the light of the world. Add to this that in the gospel of Matthew, Jesus says that his followers are to be the light of the world. What does all this mean for us as Christians, and how we live?

]]> John isn’t the only one to use images of dark and light to convey meaning; you can see it in movies all the time if you look for it. Light versus darkness often symbolize good and evil. As we’ve seen, in his letter, John declares that God is light, and in his gospel, Jesus claims to be the light of the world. Add to this that in the gospel of Matthew, Jesus says that his followers are to be the light of the world. What does all this mean for us as Christians, and how we live?

]]> Fri, 24 May 2024 14:21:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 395 John isn’t the only one to use images of dark and light to convey meaning; you can see it in movies all the time if you look for it. Light versus darkness often symbolize good and evil. As we’ve seen, in his letter, John declares that God is light, and in his gospel, Jesus claims to be the light of the world. Add to this that in the gospel of Matthew, Jesus says that his followers are to be the light of the world. What does all this mean for us as Christians, and how we live? John isn’t the only one to use images of dark and light to convey meaning; you can see it in movies all the time if you look for it. Light versus darkness often symbolize good and evil. As we’ve seen, in his letter, John declares that God is light, and in No 12 12 Episode 12: What we say and what we do full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/efd54ab9-e0d9-3503-ab71-784c95f0c07c https://share.transistor.fm/s/56b8f8ca As mentioned in previous episodes, we have to guess a bit at the controversies that were troubling John’s community. Five verses into 1 John, we begin to get some hints about the errant beliefs some were teaching, which apparently had to do with the reality of sin and what Jesus accomplished on the cross. But right up front, John holds the community to a common standard: if you’re going to claim to be a Christian, then you’d better live like it, and walk in the light.

]]> As mentioned in previous episodes, we have to guess a bit at the controversies that were troubling John’s community. Five verses into 1 John, we begin to get some hints about the errant beliefs some were teaching, which apparently had to do with the reality of sin and what Jesus accomplished on the cross. But right up front, John holds the community to a common standard: if you’re going to claim to be a Christian, then you’d better live like it, and walk in the light.

]]> Fri, 24 May 2024 14:22:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 396 As mentioned in previous episodes, we have to guess a bit at the controversies that were troubling John’s community. Five verses into 1 John, we begin to get some hints about the errant beliefs some were teaching, which apparently had to do with the reality of sin and what Jesus accomplished on the cross. But right up front, John holds the community to a common standard: if you’re going to claim to be a Christian, then you’d better live like it, and walk in the light. As mentioned in previous episodes, we have to guess a bit at the controversies that were troubling John’s community. Five verses into 1 John, we begin to get some hints about the errant beliefs some were teaching, which apparently had to do with the reali No 13 13 Episode 13: The hard truth full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/c061b9cd-260b-3de5-abed-35c4c9e5a029 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ea1c8f17 Reading between the lines of John’s letter, it seems that some folks in his community may have begun to believe and teach that it was somehow possible to be sinless. In the next episode, we’ll start taking a look at how John responds. But first, in this episode, we’ll draw upon the wisdom of Paul in his guidance to the churches of Corinth and Galatia. What do you do when people begin to stray from the gospel, particularly in the matter of sin?

]]> Reading between the lines of John’s letter, it seems that some folks in his community may have begun to believe and teach that it was somehow possible to be sinless. In the next episode, we’ll start taking a look at how John responds. But first, in this episode, we’ll draw upon the wisdom of Paul in his guidance to the churches of Corinth and Galatia. What do you do when people begin to stray from the gospel, particularly in the matter of sin?

]]> Fri, 31 May 2024 15:36:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 363 Reading between the lines of John’s letter, it seems that some folks in his community may have begun to believe and teach that it was somehow possible to be sinless. In the next episode, we’ll start taking a look at how John responds. But first, in this episode, we’ll draw upon the wisdom of Paul in his guidance to the churches of Corinth and Galatia. What do you do when people begin to stray from the gospel, particularly in the matter of sin? Reading between the lines of John’s letter, it seems that some folks in his community may have begun to believe and teach that it was somehow possible to be sinless. In the next episode, we’ll start taking a look at how John responds. But first, in this e No 15 15 Episode 15: Sin--and amazing grace full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/df5dee49-d801-3445-9c48-8ee56567191c https://share.transistor.fm/s/83e88760 Does it sound strange that folks in John’s community may have claimed to be sinless? Perhaps. But in this episode, I want us to consider why we ourselves often have such a hard time thinking and talking about sin. And if we can’t fully recognize sin for what it is, can we fully appreciate the gift of grace that we’ve been given?

]]> Does it sound strange that folks in John’s community may have claimed to be sinless? Perhaps. But in this episode, I want us to consider why we ourselves often have such a hard time thinking and talking about sin. And if we can’t fully recognize sin for what it is, can we fully appreciate the gift of grace that we’ve been given?

]]> Fri, 31 May 2024 15:37:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 472 Does it sound strange that folks in John’s community may have claimed to be sinless? Perhaps. But in this episode, I want us to consider why we ourselves often have such a hard time thinking and talking about sin. And if we can’t fully recognize sin for what it is, can we fully appreciate the gift of grace that we’ve been given? Does it sound strange that folks in John’s community may have claimed to be sinless? Perhaps. But in this episode, I want us to consider why we ourselves often have such a hard time thinking and talking about sin. And if we can’t fully recognize sin for w No 14 14 Episode 14: Without sin? full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/ef9c27cd-bd20-325c-a18d-7d1dc46ea257 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d9592eb9 Who would dare claim to be without sin? As the story of the adulterous woman in John 8 suggests, not even the self-righteous Pharisees would do this. But some people in John’s community, it seems, may have done just that. John addresses the matter in general terms that are hard to pin down. Nevertheless, John makes it clear: anyone who claims to be sinless is lying to themselves and calling God a liar to boot.

]]> Who would dare claim to be without sin? As the story of the adulterous woman in John 8 suggests, not even the self-righteous Pharisees would do this. But some people in John’s community, it seems, may have done just that. John addresses the matter in general terms that are hard to pin down. Nevertheless, John makes it clear: anyone who claims to be sinless is lying to themselves and calling God a liar to boot.

]]> Fri, 31 May 2024 15:37:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 349 Who would dare claim to be without sin? As the story of the adulterous woman in John 8 suggests, not even the self-righteous Pharisees would do this. But some people in John’s community, it seems, may have done just that. John addresses the matter in general terms that are hard to pin down. Nevertheless, John makes it clear: anyone who claims to be sinless is lying to themselves and calling God a liar to boot. Who would dare claim to be without sin? As the story of the adulterous woman in John 8 suggests, not even the self-righteous Pharisees would do this. But some people in John’s community, it seems, may have done just that. John addresses the matter in gene No 16 16 Episode 16: A bit of fatherly wisdom full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/6b6d2000-2b9a-343e-aa35-0478314bf5e4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e6367b7d Imagine having the pastoral responsibility of teaching a community about the reality of sin, even confronting people who may be in denial about its seriousness. That wouldn’t be the world’s most popular sermon series. But as we’ll see, John approaches the matter as a wise elder.

]]> Imagine having the pastoral responsibility of teaching a community about the reality of sin, even confronting people who may be in denial about its seriousness. That wouldn’t be the world’s most popular sermon series. But as we’ll see, John approaches the matter as a wise elder.

]]> Fri, 07 Jun 2024 15:38:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 373 Imagine having the pastoral responsibility of teaching a community about the reality of sin, even confronting people who may be in denial about its seriousness. That wouldn’t be the world’s most popular sermon series. But as we’ll see, John approaches the matter as a wise elder. Imagine having the pastoral responsibility of teaching a community about the reality of sin, even confronting people who may be in denial about its seriousness. That wouldn’t be the world’s most popular sermon series. But as we’ll see, John approaches the No 17 17 Episode 17: Do we need to lawyer up? full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/9bf938a7-3ec6-3767-be9b-e7e40b5e3f2f https://share.transistor.fm/s/aadea7d1 The word “advocate” may conjure up images of attorneys and courtrooms, and rightly so. John is the only New Testament writer to use the word, which was typically used in legal contexts. Here, in his letter, he uses it to refer to Jesus; in his gospel, it’s used by Jesus to refer to the Holy Spirit. But either way, we shouldn’t read this as suggesting that we need a high-powered attorney to save us from the hanging judge…

]]> The word “advocate” may conjure up images of attorneys and courtrooms, and rightly so. John is the only New Testament writer to use the word, which was typically used in legal contexts. Here, in his letter, he uses it to refer to Jesus; in his gospel, it’s used by Jesus to refer to the Holy Spirit. But either way, we shouldn’t read this as suggesting that we need a high-powered attorney to save us from the hanging judge…

]]> Fri, 07 Jun 2024 15:39:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 353 The word “advocate” may conjure up images of attorneys and courtrooms, and rightly so. John is the only New Testament writer to use the word, which was typically used in legal contexts. Here, in his letter, he uses it to refer to Jesus; in his gospel, it’s used by Jesus to refer to the Holy Spirit. But either way, we shouldn’t read this as suggesting that we need a high-powered attorney to save us from the hanging judge… The word “advocate” may conjure up images of attorneys and courtrooms, and rightly so. John is the only New Testament writer to use the word, which was typically used in legal contexts. Here, in his letter, he uses it to refer to Jesus; in his gospel, it’ No 18 18 Episode 18: Loving the unlovely full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/d726196b-0538-3a69-965d-7b3834d70c78 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7fd5e06d As we’ve seen, chapter 2 of 1 John opens with identification of Jesus as our advocate. John also calls him the “atoning sacrifice” for our sins. Some older translations have the word “propitiation,” a word that could describe the gift of flowers that a husband gives his wife to appease her anger. Does that mean we needed cross of Jesus to get God to calm down and stop being mad at us? Sort of—but John considers this first to be an act of God’s love.

]]> As we’ve seen, chapter 2 of 1 John opens with identification of Jesus as our advocate. John also calls him the “atoning sacrifice” for our sins. Some older translations have the word “propitiation,” a word that could describe the gift of flowers that a husband gives his wife to appease her anger. Does that mean we needed cross of Jesus to get God to calm down and stop being mad at us? Sort of—but John considers this first to be an act of God’s love.

]]> Fri, 07 Jun 2024 15:39:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 512 As we’ve seen, chapter 2 of 1 John opens with identification of Jesus as our advocate. John also calls him the “atoning sacrifice” for our sins. Some older translations have the word “propitiation,” a word that could describe the gift of flowers that a husband gives his wife to appease her anger. Does that mean we needed cross of Jesus to get God to calm down and stop being mad at us? Sort of—but John considers this first to be an act of God’s love. As we’ve seen, chapter 2 of 1 John opens with identification of Jesus as our advocate. John also calls him the “atoning sacrifice” for our sins. Some older translations have the word “propitiation,” a word that could describe the gift of flowers that a hu No 19 19 Episode 19: Knowing versus knowing about full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/83498dbd-d4ba-3b9c-858c-7c67239f13a1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4524d7e0 You probably know a lot of people, and a lot of people know you. But how many people really know you for who you are? Similarly, what does it mean for someone to say that they “know God”? We can know about God, but the Christian life is not simply a matter of belief. We must know God in such a way that our lives and character are positively shaped by that relationship.

]]> You probably know a lot of people, and a lot of people know you. But how many people really know you for who you are? Similarly, what does it mean for someone to say that they “know God”? We can know about God, but the Christian life is not simply a matter of belief. We must know God in such a way that our lives and character are positively shaped by that relationship.

]]> Fri, 14 Jun 2024 15:40:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 403 You probably know a lot of people, and a lot of people know you. But how many people really know you for who you are? Similarly, what does it mean for someone to say that they “know God”? We can know about God, but the Christian life is not simply a matter of belief. We must know God in such a way that our lives and character are positively shaped by that relationship. You probably know a lot of people, and a lot of people know you. But how many people really know you for who you are? Similarly, what does it mean for someone to say that they “know God”? We can know about God, but the Christian life is not simply a matte No 20 20 Episode 20: The apostle of love full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/64f51d98-8329-3254-b131-f7fb24d67155 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ce970833 John is sometimes known as the “Apostle of Love,” and for good reason. He is not only believed by many to be the so-called “disciple whom Jesus loved,” but also writes more about love than Matthew, Mark, or Luke. You may already be familiar with the Greek word “agape,” which is often thought of as meaning “Christian love.” In this episode, we begin to explore its meaning and significance.

]]> John is sometimes known as the “Apostle of Love,” and for good reason. He is not only believed by many to be the so-called “disciple whom Jesus loved,” but also writes more about love than Matthew, Mark, or Luke. You may already be familiar with the Greek word “agape,” which is often thought of as meaning “Christian love.” In this episode, we begin to explore its meaning and significance.

]]> Fri, 14 Jun 2024 15:41:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 497 John is sometimes known as the “Apostle of Love,” and for good reason. He is not only believed by many to be the so-called “disciple whom Jesus loved,” but also writes more about love than Matthew, Mark, or Luke. You may already be familiar with the Greek word “agape,” which is often thought of as meaning “Christian love.” In this episode, we begin to explore its meaning and significance. John is sometimes known as the “Apostle of Love,” and for good reason. He is not only believed by many to be the so-called “disciple whom Jesus loved,” but also writes more about love than Matthew, Mark, or Luke. You may already be familiar with the Greek No 21 21 Episode 21: Do as I say...and do as I do full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/1cb8adca-7a3d-317c-922f-cd6d5e0e8a3e https://share.transistor.fm/s/95ef40e2 If you’ve ever raised kids, you may already have discovered that “Do as I say, don’t do as I do” isn’t a terribly effective way to engender discipline. We are models for our kids, and they will sometimes do as we do no matter what we say. John insists on something similar: you don’t get to claim to have a close relationship with Jesus if you aren’t following his example.

]]> If you’ve ever raised kids, you may already have discovered that “Do as I say, don’t do as I do” isn’t a terribly effective way to engender discipline. We are models for our kids, and they will sometimes do as we do no matter what we say. John insists on something similar: you don’t get to claim to have a close relationship with Jesus if you aren’t following his example.

]]> Fri, 14 Jun 2024 15:42:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 375 If you’ve ever raised kids, you may already have discovered that “Do as I say, don’t do as I do” isn’t a terribly effective way to engender discipline. We are models for our kids, and they will sometimes do as we do no matter what we say. John insists on something similar: you don’t get to claim to have a close relationship with Jesus if you aren’t following his example. If you’ve ever raised kids, you may already have discovered that “Do as I say, don’t do as I do” isn’t a terribly effective way to engender discipline. We are models for our kids, and they will sometimes do as we do no matter what we say. John insists on No 22 22 Episode 22: You already know this full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/65b64682-b1ef-3741-ad6b-7804f7fc7b6b https://share.transistor.fm/s/cd393309 Beginning with verse 7 of chapter 2, John tells his readers that he’s not writing about a new command, but an old one…and then says it actually is a new command. We’ll address the seeming contradiction in the next episode. But in this episode, the point is that the gospel is already rooted in an old command. And we’ll look at the story surrounding the parable of the Good Samaritan to show how it’s possible to know the old command, yet not do it.

]]> Beginning with verse 7 of chapter 2, John tells his readers that he’s not writing about a new command, but an old one…and then says it actually is a new command. We’ll address the seeming contradiction in the next episode. But in this episode, the point is that the gospel is already rooted in an old command. And we’ll look at the story surrounding the parable of the Good Samaritan to show how it’s possible to know the old command, yet not do it.

]]> Fri, 21 Jun 2024 15:42:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 449 Beginning with verse 7 of chapter 2, John tells his readers that he’s not writing about a new command, but an old one…and then says it actually is a new command. We’ll address the seeming contradiction in the next episode. But in this episode, the point is that the gospel is already rooted in an old command. And we’ll look at the story surrounding the parable of the Good Samaritan to show how it’s possible to know the old command, yet not do it. Beginning with verse 7 of chapter 2, John tells his readers that he’s not writing about a new command, but an old one…and then says it actually is a new command. We’ll address the seeming contradiction in the next episode. But in this episode, the point i No 23 23 Episode 23: The next chapter of an old story full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/24dfbc60-887e-3576-bc53-e3a3cc568847 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a7e17896 What’s the relationship between the Old Testament and the New Testament? The latter doesn’t replace the former; it continues the ancient story. Similarly, when John speaks of an “old command” and a “new command,” he’s seems to be suggesting that the teaching of Jesus and the teaching about Jesus are a fulfillment of what should already have been known—albeit in a surprising way.

]]> What’s the relationship between the Old Testament and the New Testament? The latter doesn’t replace the former; it continues the ancient story. Similarly, when John speaks of an “old command” and a “new command,” he’s seems to be suggesting that the teaching of Jesus and the teaching about Jesus are a fulfillment of what should already have been known—albeit in a surprising way.

]]> Fri, 21 Jun 2024 15:43:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 365 What’s the relationship between the Old Testament and the New Testament? The latter doesn’t replace the former; it continues the ancient story. Similarly, when John speaks of an “old command” and a “new command,” he’s seems to be suggesting that the teaching of Jesus and the teaching about Jesus are a fulfillment of what should already have been known—albeit in a surprising way. What’s the relationship between the Old Testament and the New Testament? The latter doesn’t replace the former; it continues the ancient story. Similarly, when John speaks of an “old command” and a “new command,” he’s seems to be suggesting that the teach No 24 24 Episode 24: Blind to our blindness full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/744c1473-74d3-3fcf-90e8-45a72e5b26d9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7ae4e924 Reading between the lines, it seems that some folks in John’s community considered themselves to be enlightened, but had some odd ideas about the Christian life. John would characterize them as stumbling in the dark, even if they claimed to be walking in the light. And how does John know? Because they’re not obeying Jesus’ commandment to love one another.

]]> Reading between the lines, it seems that some folks in John’s community considered themselves to be enlightened, but had some odd ideas about the Christian life. John would characterize them as stumbling in the dark, even if they claimed to be walking in the light. And how does John know? Because they’re not obeying Jesus’ commandment to love one another.

]]> Fri, 21 Jun 2024 15:44:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 405 Reading between the lines, it seems that some folks in John’s community considered themselves to be enlightened, but had some odd ideas about the Christian life. John would characterize them as stumbling in the dark, even if they claimed to be walking in the light. And how does John know? Because they’re not obeying Jesus’ commandment to love one another. Reading between the lines, it seems that some folks in John’s community considered themselves to be enlightened, but had some odd ideas about the Christian life. John would characterize them as stumbling in the dark, even if they claimed to be walking in No 25 25 Episode 25: Stumbling in the dark full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/a52e0622-31b6-37fa-92c5-8fc083a504c0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/867db5ab As suggested in the previous episode, John would describe those who aren’t following Jesus’ commandment to love one another as stumbling in the dark. As we’ll explore in this episode, there’s some ambiguity to John’s words about stumbling in 1 John 2. Should we be more concerned about how we as Christians stumble, or how we cause others to stumble? If our motivation is love, we should be concerned about both.

]]> As suggested in the previous episode, John would describe those who aren’t following Jesus’ commandment to love one another as stumbling in the dark. As we’ll explore in this episode, there’s some ambiguity to John’s words about stumbling in 1 John 2. Should we be more concerned about how we as Christians stumble, or how we cause others to stumble? If our motivation is love, we should be concerned about both.

]]> Fri, 28 Jun 2024 15:45:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 431 As suggested in the previous episode, John would describe those who aren’t following Jesus’ commandment to love one another as stumbling in the dark. As we’ll explore in this episode, there’s some ambiguity to John’s words about stumbling in 1 John 2. Should we be more concerned about how we as Christians stumble, or how we cause others to stumble? If our motivation is love, we should be concerned about both. As suggested in the previous episode, John would describe those who aren’t following Jesus’ commandment to love one another as stumbling in the dark. As we’ll explore in this episode, there’s some ambiguity to John’s words about stumbling in 1 John 2. Sho No 26 26 Episode 26: A little encouragement, please! full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/ee1d555e-46b3-381a-989c-36e84586c50d https://share.transistor.fm/s/101beb04 Although at this point in the letter John hasn’t mentioned it yet, some people have left the community. People who have been through church splits know the pain and confusion that follows. That may explain the strangely poetic verses in the middle of chapter 2, in which he cheers on the people he characterizes (probably metaphorically) as “children,” “fathers,” and “young men.” In this and the following two episodes, we explore the possible meaning and implication of his pastoral encouragement.

]]> Although at this point in the letter John hasn’t mentioned it yet, some people have left the community. People who have been through church splits know the pain and confusion that follows. That may explain the strangely poetic verses in the middle of chapter 2, in which he cheers on the people he characterizes (probably metaphorically) as “children,” “fathers,” and “young men.” In this and the following two episodes, we explore the possible meaning and implication of his pastoral encouragement.

]]> Fri, 28 Jun 2024 15:45:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 386 Although at this point in the letter John hasn’t mentioned it yet, some people have left the community. People who have been through church splits know the pain and confusion that follows. That may explain the strangely poetic verses in the middle of chapter 2, in which he cheers on the people he characterizes (probably metaphorically) as “children,” “fathers,” and “young men.” In this and the following two episodes, we explore the possible meaning and implication of his pastoral encouragement. Although at this point in the letter John hasn’t mentioned it yet, some people have left the community. People who have been through church splits know the pain and confusion that follows. That may explain the strangely poetic verses in the middle of chap No 27 27 Episode 27: Hang in there, baby! full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/0ff46b2f-42fc-36c0-8744-1db08ae3b7ec https://share.transistor.fm/s/c4be2193 As we’ve seen, John wants to give some pastoral encouragement his readers, who have probably been deeply disillusioned by what we might today call a “church split.” In this episode, we do a deeper dive into the encouragement itself, and ponder the implications for our own dark nights of the soul.

]]> As we’ve seen, John wants to give some pastoral encouragement his readers, who have probably been deeply disillusioned by what we might today call a “church split.” In this episode, we do a deeper dive into the encouragement itself, and ponder the implications for our own dark nights of the soul.

]]> Fri, 28 Jun 2024 15:46:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 476 As we’ve seen, John wants to give some pastoral encouragement his readers, who have probably been deeply disillusioned by what we might today call a “church split.” In this episode, we do a deeper dive into the encouragement itself, and ponder the implications for our own dark nights of the soul. As we’ve seen, John wants to give some pastoral encouragement his readers, who have probably been deeply disillusioned by what we might today call a “church split.” In this episode, we do a deeper dive into the encouragement itself, and ponder the implica No 28 28 Episode 28: A new covenant full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/b873d34b-1a4d-3daf-8230-a936d4574727 https://share.transistor.fm/s/109415af John’s encouragement in the middle of chapter 2, as we’ve seen, is highly stylized, as if he were quoting from somewhere else. As we’ll explore in this episode, when John addresses himself to “children,” “young men,” and “fathers,” he may be echoing the words of the prophet Jeremiah.  

]]> John’s encouragement in the middle of chapter 2, as we’ve seen, is highly stylized, as if he were quoting from somewhere else. As we’ll explore in this episode, when John addresses himself to “children,” “young men,” and “fathers,” he may be echoing the words of the prophet Jeremiah.  

]]> Fri, 05 Jul 2024 15:47:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 383 John’s encouragement in the middle of chapter 2, as we’ve seen, is highly stylized, as if he were quoting from somewhere else. As we’ll explore in this episode, when John addresses himself to “children,” “young men,” and “fathers,” he may be echoing the words of the prophet Jeremiah.   John’s encouragement in the middle of chapter 2, as we’ve seen, is highly stylized, as if he were quoting from somewhere else. As we’ll explore in this episode, when John addresses himself to “children,” “young men,” and “fathers,” he may be echoing the w No 30 30 Episode 30: Flesh and bone full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/e25e131e-3e2f-3cb0-a3ab-28db2795b362 https://share.transistor.fm/s/882c6510 We were created by God to live in bodies. And with that bodily existence comes a host of needs and desires. Because we live in a fallen world, what otherwise would be a good desire can be twisted into something that lures us away from God. That’s the context in which we need to understand what John means when he speaks in chapter 2 of not loving the “world” and pursuing the “lusts of the flesh.”

]]> We were created by God to live in bodies. And with that bodily existence comes a host of needs and desires. Because we live in a fallen world, what otherwise would be a good desire can be twisted into something that lures us away from God. That’s the context in which we need to understand what John means when he speaks in chapter 2 of not loving the “world” and pursuing the “lusts of the flesh.”

]]> Fri, 05 Jul 2024 15:48:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 422 We were created by God to live in bodies. And with that bodily existence comes a host of needs and desires. Because we live in a fallen world, what otherwise would be a good desire can be twisted into something that lures us away from God. That’s the context in which we need to understand what John means when he speaks in chapter 2 of not loving the “world” and pursuing the “lusts of the flesh.” We were created by God to live in bodies. And with that bodily existence comes a host of needs and desires. Because we live in a fallen world, what otherwise would be a good desire can be twisted into something that lures us away from God. That’s the cont No 29 29 Episode 29: Don't love the world full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/fd5d7bcb-d38f-36f2-8d7c-ae6671cbcaf2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f90e5719 The first command John gives in his letter comes in 1 John 2:15: “Do not love the world or anything in the world.” But many of us have memorized John 3:16—doesn’t God love the world? In this episode, we’ll explore why this is not a contradiction.

]]> The first command John gives in his letter comes in 1 John 2:15: “Do not love the world or anything in the world.” But many of us have memorized John 3:16—doesn’t God love the world? In this episode, we’ll explore why this is not a contradiction.

]]> Fri, 05 Jul 2024 15:48:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 416 The first command John gives in his letter comes in 1 John 2:15: “Do not love the world or anything in the world.” But many of us have memorized John 3:16—doesn’t God love the world? In this episode, we’ll explore why this is not a contradiction. The first command John gives in his letter comes in 1 John 2:15: “Do not love the world or anything in the world.” But many of us have memorized John 3:16—doesn’t God love the world? In this episode, we’ll explore why this is not a contradiction. No 31 31 Episode 31: In the world, but not of it full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/8194cf53-14ce-375b-8c4a-f49bd897ea2e https://share.transistor.fm/s/2dc2317e As we’ve seen, John commands his readers to not “love the world.” As I read those words, I imagine him thinking back to Jesus’ final words to his disciples in the Upper Room. There, he prayed for God’s protection over them, because though there had to remain in the world, they were not of the world (John 17:14-16)…

]]> As we’ve seen, John commands his readers to not “love the world.” As I read those words, I imagine him thinking back to Jesus’ final words to his disciples in the Upper Room. There, he prayed for God’s protection over them, because though there had to remain in the world, they were not of the world (John 17:14-16)…

]]> Fri, 12 Jul 2024 18:54:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 402 As we’ve seen, John commands his readers to not “love the world.” As I read those words, I imagine him thinking back to Jesus’ final words to his disciples in the Upper Room. There, he prayed for God’s protection over them, because though there had to remain in the world, they were not of the world (John 17:14-16)… As we’ve seen, John commands his readers to not “love the world.” As I read those words, I imagine him thinking back to Jesus’ final words to his disciples in the Upper Room. There, he prayed for God’s protection over them, because though there had to rem No 32 32 Episode 32: Here today, gone tomorrow full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/5ef93b85-302c-377e-aa65-1131fa725e09 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5f8349e1 When we read John’s letters, we should imagine him as an elderly man, someone who had seen more of the Christian movement than any man alive. He is probably near the end of his life, which gives him some perspective on what truly matters. That may be part of the reason that he is able to write: “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:17). How might that make a difference to how we see our lives and priorities?

]]> When we read John’s letters, we should imagine him as an elderly man, someone who had seen more of the Christian movement than any man alive. He is probably near the end of his life, which gives him some perspective on what truly matters. That may be part of the reason that he is able to write: “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:17). How might that make a difference to how we see our lives and priorities?

]]> Fri, 12 Jul 2024 18:55:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 375 When we read John’s letters, we should imagine him as an elderly man, someone who had seen more of the Christian movement than any man alive. He is probably near the end of his life, which gives him some perspective on what truly matters. That may be part of the reason that he is able to write: “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:17). How might that make a difference to how we see our lives and priorities? When we read John’s letters, we should imagine him as an elderly man, someone who had seen more of the Christian movement than any man alive. He is probably near the end of his life, which gives him some perspective on what truly matters. That may be part No 33 33 Episode 33: The antichrist and the final chapter full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/fc8fcbee-60f7-3d0d-b624-5854b5a1e3ad https://share.transistor.fm/s/9eda86a1 John seems to think we’re in the last chapter of the grand story leading up to the return of Jesus. That chapter includes the coming of the “antichrist.” But what does he mean by that? As we’ll explore in this episode, it may not be quite as dramatic as Christian novelists might have it.

]]> John seems to think we’re in the last chapter of the grand story leading up to the return of Jesus. That chapter includes the coming of the “antichrist.” But what does he mean by that? As we’ll explore in this episode, it may not be quite as dramatic as Christian novelists might have it.

]]> Fri, 12 Jul 2024 18:55:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 398 John seems to think we’re in the last chapter of the grand story leading up to the return of Jesus. That chapter includes the coming of the “antichrist.” But what does he mean by that? As we’ll explore in this episode, it may not be quite as dramatic as Christian novelists might have it. John seems to think we’re in the last chapter of the grand story leading up to the return of Jesus. That chapter includes the coming of the “antichrist.” But what does he mean by that? As we’ll explore in this episode, it may not be quite as dramatic as C No 34 34 Episode 34: Liar, liar full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/e73ce7f5-d1d4-39a1-abd3-83262a8412c1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6e0b2013 It’s not until near the end of chapter 2 of 1 John that the apostle explicitly says that some people have left the community, though the hints are there throughout. Certainly, there was no need for him to say this earlier since the recipients of his letter obviously already knew! But in trying to reassure his readers that they know the truth about Jesus, he implies that the people who left are liars. Is that an odd thing for the Apostle of Love to say?

]]> It’s not until near the end of chapter 2 of 1 John that the apostle explicitly says that some people have left the community, though the hints are there throughout. Certainly, there was no need for him to say this earlier since the recipients of his letter obviously already knew! But in trying to reassure his readers that they know the truth about Jesus, he implies that the people who left are liars. Is that an odd thing for the Apostle of Love to say?

]]> Fri, 19 Jul 2024 18:56:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 410 It’s not until near the end of chapter 2 of 1 John that the apostle explicitly says that some people have left the community, though the hints are there throughout. Certainly, there was no need for him to say this earlier since the recipients of his letter obviously already knew! But in trying to reassure his readers that they know the truth about Jesus, he implies that the people who left are liars. Is that an odd thing for the Apostle of Love to say? It’s not until near the end of chapter 2 of 1 John that the apostle explicitly says that some people have left the community, though the hints are there throughout. Certainly, there was no need for him to say this earlier since the recipients of his lette No 35 35 Episode 35: Jesus, in the flesh full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/e977dda3-3864-367d-aed8-07afaeabee32 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5d6b3319 As mentioned in the previous episode, John seems to call the people who left the community liars, because they reject the truth about Jesus. What truth about Jesus did they reject? One can’t be sure when we only have one side of the conversation. But what John says later, at the beginning of chapter 4, suggests that the folks who left denied the Incarnation, the declaration that Jesus was God in the flesh…

]]> As mentioned in the previous episode, John seems to call the people who left the community liars, because they reject the truth about Jesus. What truth about Jesus did they reject? One can’t be sure when we only have one side of the conversation. But what John says later, at the beginning of chapter 4, suggests that the folks who left denied the Incarnation, the declaration that Jesus was God in the flesh…

]]> Fri, 19 Jul 2024 18:57:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 457 As mentioned in the previous episode, John seems to call the people who left the community liars, because they reject the truth about Jesus. What truth about Jesus did they reject? One can’t be sure when we only have one side of the conversation. But what John says later, at the beginning of chapter 4, suggests that the folks who left denied the Incarnation, the declaration that Jesus was God in the flesh… As mentioned in the previous episode, John seems to call the people who left the community liars, because they reject the truth about Jesus. What truth about Jesus did they reject? One can’t be sure when we only have one side of the conversation. But what No 36 36 Episode 36: Staying put full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/360b773d-a704-3061-88f0-def11ea937ec https://share.transistor.fm/s/fa63610e Jesus had a lot to say in the Upper Room, on his final night with his disciples before his arrest and crucifixion. There is much in John’s letters to suggest that the apostle kept thinking back to what Jesus said that evening. In this episode, we explore how what John writes in 1 John 2:24-27 echoes what Jesus taught in John 15, when he encouraged his disciples to “abide” in him as a branch of a grapevine draws life from the trunk and rootstock.

]]> Jesus had a lot to say in the Upper Room, on his final night with his disciples before his arrest and crucifixion. There is much in John’s letters to suggest that the apostle kept thinking back to what Jesus said that evening. In this episode, we explore how what John writes in 1 John 2:24-27 echoes what Jesus taught in John 15, when he encouraged his disciples to “abide” in him as a branch of a grapevine draws life from the trunk and rootstock.

]]> Fri, 19 Jul 2024 18:57:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 450 Jesus had a lot to say in the Upper Room, on his final night with his disciples before his arrest and crucifixion. There is much in John’s letters to suggest that the apostle kept thinking back to what Jesus said that evening. In this episode, we explore how what John writes in 1 John 2:24-27 echoes what Jesus taught in John 15, when he encouraged his disciples to “abide” in him as a branch of a grapevine draws life from the trunk and rootstock. Jesus had a lot to say in the Upper Room, on his final night with his disciples before his arrest and crucifixion. There is much in John’s letters to suggest that the apostle kept thinking back to what Jesus said that evening. In this episode, we explore No 37 37 Episode 37: Nothing to learn? full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/65c679fb-1bfa-33b8-93a3-8359c33ba4f0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1383ba5d As someone who has been a professor for decades, I’m a little troubled when John says to his readers “you do not need anyone to teach you” (1 John 2:27). And I can easily imagine how people who don’t believe they have anything to learn from others might use such a verse to justify their stance. But what does John mean?

]]> As someone who has been a professor for decades, I’m a little troubled when John says to his readers “you do not need anyone to teach you” (1 John 2:27). And I can easily imagine how people who don’t believe they have anything to learn from others might use such a verse to justify their stance. But what does John mean?

]]> Fri, 26 Jul 2024 18:58:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 392 As someone who has been a professor for decades, I’m a little troubled when John says to his readers “you do not need anyone to teach you” (1 John 2:27). And I can easily imagine how people who don’t believe they have anything to learn from others might use such a verse to justify their stance. But what does John mean? As someone who has been a professor for decades, I’m a little troubled when John says to his readers “you do not need anyone to teach you” (1 John 2:27). And I can easily imagine how people who don’t believe they have anything to learn from others might u No 39 39 Episode 39: Born again? full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/fb5d9659-f344-381a-bbe0-90ea240bc7f8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1752d894 When Nicodemus the Pharisee came to Jesus, he was confused by Jesus’ talk about being “born again” (John 3:3). As Christians today, we may find the language unremarkable. But do we know what we’re saying? And why it’s important?

]]> When Nicodemus the Pharisee came to Jesus, he was confused by Jesus’ talk about being “born again” (John 3:3). As Christians today, we may find the language unremarkable. But do we know what we’re saying? And why it’s important?

]]> Fri, 26 Jul 2024 18:59:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 400 When Nicodemus the Pharisee came to Jesus, he was confused by Jesus’ talk about being “born again” (John 3:3). As Christians today, we may find the language unremarkable. But do we know what we’re saying? And why it’s important? When Nicodemus the Pharisee came to Jesus, he was confused by Jesus’ talk about being “born again” (John 3:3). As Christians today, we may find the language unremarkable. But do we know what we’re saying? And why it’s important? No 38 38 Episode 38: Naked and unashamed full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/d2279a29-211d-376b-a955-2fc94725df8e https://share.transistor.fm/s/0a1d0159 The stories of Genesis 2 and 3 suggest that shame came into the world with the consciousness of sin. Is it possible that any of us could stand before Jesus without shame? But John seems to suggest precisely that: we can and should abide in him so that when he returns “we may be confident and unashamed before him” (1 John 2:28).

]]> The stories of Genesis 2 and 3 suggest that shame came into the world with the consciousness of sin. Is it possible that any of us could stand before Jesus without shame? But John seems to suggest precisely that: we can and should abide in him so that when he returns “we may be confident and unashamed before him” (1 John 2:28).

]]> Fri, 26 Jul 2024 18:59:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 391 The stories of Genesis 2 and 3 suggest that shame came into the world with the consciousness of sin. Is it possible that any of us could stand before Jesus without shame? But John seems to suggest precisely that: we can and should abide in him so that when he returns “we may be confident and unashamed before him” (1 John 2:28). The stories of Genesis 2 and 3 suggest that shame came into the world with the consciousness of sin. Is it possible that any of us could stand before Jesus without shame? But John seems to suggest precisely that: we can and should abide in him so that whe No 40 40 Episode 40: A family resemblance full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/1a38ba46-e7b4-3b16-b6b2-1c397c0a7d15 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9835663d The consequence of being born again, by the initiative of God, is that we are therefore God’s children. And just as we sometimes talk easily about being “born again,” so too do we speak freely about being God’s children. But the language comes with the expectation that we will live in a way that shows what it means to be part of this family, with God as Father…

]]> The consequence of being born again, by the initiative of God, is that we are therefore God’s children. And just as we sometimes talk easily about being “born again,” so too do we speak freely about being God’s children. But the language comes with the expectation that we will live in a way that shows what it means to be part of this family, with God as Father…

]]> Fri, 02 Aug 2024 19:00:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 396 The consequence of being born again, by the initiative of God, is that we are therefore God’s children. And just as we sometimes talk easily about being “born again,” so too do we speak freely about being God’s children. But the language comes with the expectation that we will live in a way that shows what it means to be part of this family, with God as Father… The consequence of being born again, by the initiative of God, is that we are therefore God’s children. And just as we sometimes talk easily about being “born again,” so too do we speak freely about being God’s children. But the language comes with the ex No 41 41 Episode 41: Living into hope full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/76fe8ac8-b855-36af-bfa0-424bd7fcb4b7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5ff76b35 What is hope? In this episode, we go back to the story of Abraham in Genesis 22 to illustrate the nature of what the Bible means by hope. Then we return to 1 John, where the apostle speaks of the hope of Christ’s return in the future, and why that matters to how we live now.

]]> What is hope? In this episode, we go back to the story of Abraham in Genesis 22 to illustrate the nature of what the Bible means by hope. Then we return to 1 John, where the apostle speaks of the hope of Christ’s return in the future, and why that matters to how we live now.

]]> Fri, 02 Aug 2024 19:01:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 409 What is hope? In this episode, we go back to the story of Abraham in Genesis 22 to illustrate the nature of what the Bible means by hope. Then we return to 1 John, where the apostle speaks of the hope of Christ’s return in the future, and why that matters to how we live now. What is hope? In this episode, we go back to the story of Abraham in Genesis 22 to illustrate the nature of what the Bible means by hope. Then we return to 1 John, where the apostle speaks of the hope of Christ’s return in the future, and why that matters No 42 42 Episode 42: You're not the boss of me full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/231ebcb8-149a-385c-8015-2e2934f8d9a6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/bf2f08bd One way of thinking about sin is that it’s breaking God’s law. But the apostle John adds that “sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4). As we’ll explore in this episode, he’s referring not just to outward behavior but to the condition of our heart, in which we rebel against God’s authority.

]]> One way of thinking about sin is that it’s breaking God’s law. But the apostle John adds that “sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4). As we’ll explore in this episode, he’s referring not just to outward behavior but to the condition of our heart, in which we rebel against God’s authority.

]]> Fri, 02 Aug 2024 19:02:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 420 One way of thinking about sin is that it’s breaking God’s law. But the apostle John adds that “sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4). As we’ll explore in this episode, he’s referring not just to outward behavior but to the condition of our heart, in which we rebel against God’s authority. One way of thinking about sin is that it’s breaking God’s law. But the apostle John adds that “sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4). As we’ll explore in this episode, he’s referring not just to outward behavior but to the condition of our heart, in which we r No 43 43 Episode 43: Sin is inevitable. Or not... full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/04e4c4f6-8fcb-36ad-ae56-f6007cfc28e4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3e1f76cd One of the puzzles for interpreters of 1 John is the way in which he seems to say in one place that Christians still sin, but in another place seems to say that Christians don’t or even can’t sin. How should we understand this?

]]> One of the puzzles for interpreters of 1 John is the way in which he seems to say in one place that Christians still sin, but in another place seems to say that Christians don’t or even can’t sin. How should we understand this?

]]> Fri, 09 Aug 2024 19:02:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 392 One of the puzzles for interpreters of 1 John is the way in which he seems to say in one place that Christians still sin, but in another place seems to say that Christians don’t or even can’t sin. How should we understand this? One of the puzzles for interpreters of 1 John is the way in which he seems to say in one place that Christians still sin, but in another place seems to say that Christians don’t or even can’t sin. How should we understand this? No 44 44 Episode 44: Just right full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/94b4bdb8-3350-36dc-93cf-d08e929f82b5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b10004bc The previous episode described the ways translators have solved the puzzle of what seems at first glance to be a contradiction in 1 John. In this episode, I’ll use the fairy tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears (yes, you read that correctly!) to suggest that the tension inherent in his words may serve a positive purpose.

]]> The previous episode described the ways translators have solved the puzzle of what seems at first glance to be a contradiction in 1 John. In this episode, I’ll use the fairy tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears (yes, you read that correctly!) to suggest that the tension inherent in his words may serve a positive purpose.

]]> Fri, 09 Aug 2024 19:03:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 461 The previous episode described the ways translators have solved the puzzle of what seems at first glance to be a contradiction in 1 John. In this episode, I’ll use the fairy tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears (yes, you read that correctly!) to suggest that the tension inherent in his words may serve a positive purpose. The previous episode described the ways translators have solved the puzzle of what seems at first glance to be a contradiction in 1 John. In this episode, I’ll use the fairy tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears (yes, you read that correctly!) to suggest No 45 45 Episode 45: Sin: An origin story full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/7b1e2dec-7724-3b08-b322-f6c5d4380d80 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b5ea2085 As a writer, John likes to work with stark contrasts like light versus darkness, truth versus lies, and sin versus righteousness. In chapter 3, he adds another: God versus the devil. In this episode, therefore, we’ll explore his words against the background of the story of the serpent and the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3.

]]> As a writer, John likes to work with stark contrasts like light versus darkness, truth versus lies, and sin versus righteousness. In chapter 3, he adds another: God versus the devil. In this episode, therefore, we’ll explore his words against the background of the story of the serpent and the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3.

]]> Fri, 09 Aug 2024 19:04:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 382 As a writer, John likes to work with stark contrasts like light versus darkness, truth versus lies, and sin versus righteousness. In chapter 3, he adds another: God versus the devil. In this episode, therefore, we’ll explore his words against the background of the story of the serpent and the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3. As a writer, John likes to work with stark contrasts like light versus darkness, truth versus lies, and sin versus righteousness. In chapter 3, he adds another: God versus the devil. In this episode, therefore, we’ll explore his words against the backgrou No 46 46 Episode 46: Whose child are you? full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/7d9f0995-dd3d-397d-a2cf-3a6d7e62d02d https://share.transistor.fm/s/d23df81b In previous episodes, we’ve explored how what it means to be born again, and John’s fondness for stark contrasts. In 1 John 3:9-10, there is not only the contrast between God and the devil, but the children of God and the children of the devil. Here, we’ll examine his words against the background of the story in John 8 of a confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees.

]]> In previous episodes, we’ve explored how what it means to be born again, and John’s fondness for stark contrasts. In 1 John 3:9-10, there is not only the contrast between God and the devil, but the children of God and the children of the devil. Here, we’ll examine his words against the background of the story in John 8 of a confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees.

]]> Fri, 16 Aug 2024 19:05:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 446 In previous episodes, we’ve explored how what it means to be born again, and John’s fondness for stark contrasts. In 1 John 3:9-10, there is not only the contrast between God and the devil, but the children of God and the children of the devil. Here, we’ll examine his words against the background of the story in John 8 of a confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees. In previous episodes, we’ve explored how what it means to be born again, and John’s fondness for stark contrasts. In 1 John 3:9-10, there is not only the contrast between God and the devil, but the children of God and the children of the devil. Here, we’l No 47 47 Episode 47: My brother's keeper? full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/fe545758-9528-366c-87f2-18542a155f5e https://share.transistor.fm/s/c698bbf0 In earlier verses, John has already alluded to the story of Adam, Eve, and the serpent in the Garden of Eden. In continuing to speak about sin, John now turns briefly to the story of Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam and Eve. The sibling rivalry between Cain and Abel, unfortunately, ended in murder. John assumes that his readers already know the tale—and uses it to teach them about love and hate.

]]> In earlier verses, John has already alluded to the story of Adam, Eve, and the serpent in the Garden of Eden. In continuing to speak about sin, John now turns briefly to the story of Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam and Eve. The sibling rivalry between Cain and Abel, unfortunately, ended in murder. John assumes that his readers already know the tale—and uses it to teach them about love and hate.

]]> Fri, 16 Aug 2024 19:05:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 454 In earlier verses, John has already alluded to the story of Adam, Eve, and the serpent in the Garden of Eden. In continuing to speak about sin, John now turns briefly to the story of Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam and Eve. The sibling rivalry between Cain and Abel, unfortunately, ended in murder. John assumes that his readers already know the tale—and uses it to teach them about love and hate. In earlier verses, John has already alluded to the story of Adam, Eve, and the serpent in the Garden of Eden. In continuing to speak about sin, John now turns briefly to the story of Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam and Eve. The sibling rivalry between Cai No 48 48 Episode 48: It's murder full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/904d9fd3-fa3c-3f11-9e3c-854202e122c5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/953d4d97 Given his fondness for stark contrasts like light versus darkness, John’s language can sometimes sound a little extreme. People who hate their brothers and sisters, he says, are murderers, just as Cain was a murderer! But here, he is echoing what Jesus himself taught in the Sermon on the Mount, and he uses these words to encourage his readers to examine themselves.

]]> Given his fondness for stark contrasts like light versus darkness, John’s language can sometimes sound a little extreme. People who hate their brothers and sisters, he says, are murderers, just as Cain was a murderer! But here, he is echoing what Jesus himself taught in the Sermon on the Mount, and he uses these words to encourage his readers to examine themselves.

]]> Fri, 16 Aug 2024 19:06:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 369 Given his fondness for stark contrasts like light versus darkness, John’s language can sometimes sound a little extreme. People who hate their brothers and sisters, he says, are murderers, just as Cain was a murderer! But here, he is echoing what Jesus himself taught in the Sermon on the Mount, and he uses these words to encourage his readers to examine themselves. Given his fondness for stark contrasts like light versus darkness, John’s language can sometimes sound a little extreme. People who hate their brothers and sisters, he says, are murderers, just as Cain was a murderer! But here, he is echoing what Jesus hi No 50 50 Episode 50: A matter of life and death? full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/464cc34f-1078-3f0a-a0c0-9dd87bca563f https://share.transistor.fm/s/e6b10ea5 I confess to worrying a little about how people might use John’s black-and-white language. In a world as polarized as ours, there’s always the temptation to self-righteously consider ourselves to be God’s children and treat others who believe differently as being of the devil! In this episode, therefore, we return to the Sermon on the Mount to explore how the teaching of Jesus might help us avoid misusing John’s words.

]]> I confess to worrying a little about how people might use John’s black-and-white language. In a world as polarized as ours, there’s always the temptation to self-righteously consider ourselves to be God’s children and treat others who believe differently as being of the devil! In this episode, therefore, we return to the Sermon on the Mount to explore how the teaching of Jesus might help us avoid misusing John’s words.

]]> Fri, 23 Aug 2024 19:07:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 500 I confess to worrying a little about how people might use John’s black-and-white language. In a world as polarized as ours, there’s always the temptation to self-righteously consider ourselves to be God’s children and treat others who believe differently as being of the devil! In this episode, therefore, we return to the Sermon on the Mount to explore how the teaching of Jesus might help us avoid misusing John’s words. I confess to worrying a little about how people might use John’s black-and-white language. In a world as polarized as ours, there’s always the temptation to self-righteously consider ourselves to be God’s children and treat others who believe differently No 49 49 Episode 49: I'll know it when I see it full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/015fb3e5-8e1c-359c-af98-e35618876ec1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3cb0fedb Love is one of John’s central themes. But he doesn’t quite define it the way a philosopher might. Rather, he points to Jesus as an example of what true love looks like when it’s lived out. Drawing once again on the teaching of Jesus in the Upper Room, John encourages his readers to go beyond mere words and to take loving action.

]]> Love is one of John’s central themes. But he doesn’t quite define it the way a philosopher might. Rather, he points to Jesus as an example of what true love looks like when it’s lived out. Drawing once again on the teaching of Jesus in the Upper Room, John encourages his readers to go beyond mere words and to take loving action.

]]> Fri, 23 Aug 2024 19:07:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 421 Love is one of John’s central themes. But he doesn’t quite define it the way a philosopher might. Rather, he points to Jesus as an example of what true love looks like when it’s lived out. Drawing once again on the teaching of Jesus in the Upper Room, John encourages his readers to go beyond mere words and to take loving action. Love is one of John’s central themes. But he doesn’t quite define it the way a philosopher might. Rather, he points to Jesus as an example of what true love looks like when it’s lived out. Drawing once again on the teaching of Jesus in the Upper Room, Joh No 51 51 Episode 51: God is greater than your heart full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/6518eafb-da83-349f-b837-d187a8dd793c https://share.transistor.fm/s/37f6afc5 As Jesus did before him, John has made love a central mark of discipleship, a way of knowing who is truly a child of God. As we saw in an earlier episode, he held up Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross as a primary example of such love. But for an anxious and confused community that had been divided by controversy, that might seem like an impossibly high bar. How will John reassure those who may be condemning themselves for not being loving enough?

]]> As Jesus did before him, John has made love a central mark of discipleship, a way of knowing who is truly a child of God. As we saw in an earlier episode, he held up Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross as a primary example of such love. But for an anxious and confused community that had been divided by controversy, that might seem like an impossibly high bar. How will John reassure those who may be condemning themselves for not being loving enough?

]]> Fri, 23 Aug 2024 19:08:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 465 As Jesus did before him, John has made love a central mark of discipleship, a way of knowing who is truly a child of God. As we saw in an earlier episode, he held up Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross as a primary example of such love. But for an anxious and confused community that had been divided by controversy, that might seem like an impossibly high bar. How will John reassure those who may be condemning themselves for not being loving enough? As Jesus did before him, John has made love a central mark of discipleship, a way of knowing who is truly a child of God. As we saw in an earlier episode, he held up Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross as a primary example of such love. But for an anxio No 52 52 Episode 52: Name it and claim it? full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/e13f59a5-f880-3450-a0b4-93c21d2671a4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f1a5c3da Various versions of the so-called prosperity gospel assume a dangerous and unbiblical theology, taking verses out of context and treating them as divine promises that will be fulfilled for anyone who has enough faith. We find just such a verse in 1 John 3, a statement that seems to echo something Jesus himself told the disciples in the Upper Room. In this episode, we’ll explore both statements in their context in order to read John rightly.

]]> Various versions of the so-called prosperity gospel assume a dangerous and unbiblical theology, taking verses out of context and treating them as divine promises that will be fulfilled for anyone who has enough faith. We find just such a verse in 1 John 3, a statement that seems to echo something Jesus himself told the disciples in the Upper Room. In this episode, we’ll explore both statements in their context in order to read John rightly.

]]> Fri, 30 Aug 2024 18:15:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 421 Various versions of the so-called prosperity gospel assume a dangerous and unbiblical theology, taking verses out of context and treating them as divine promises that will be fulfilled for anyone who has enough faith. We find just such a verse in 1 John 3, a statement that seems to echo something Jesus himself told the disciples in the Upper Room. In this episode, we’ll explore both statements in their context in order to read John rightly. Various versions of the so-called prosperity gospel assume a dangerous and unbiblical theology, taking verses out of context and treating them as divine promises that will be fulfilled for anyone who has enough faith. We find just such a verse in 1 John 3 No 53 53 Episode 53: The Spirit of love full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/b0fd3e37-3b24-362c-9529-22a1a1096aec https://share.transistor.fm/s/52ebe499 Although the word “spirit” appears almost 400 times in the New Testament, it doesn’t appear in 1 John until the end of chapter 3—and it will play a significant role in the opening verses of chapter 4. But here, it serves the purpose of reinforcing his readers’ confidence that they are on the right path, abiding in God as they should.

]]> Although the word “spirit” appears almost 400 times in the New Testament, it doesn’t appear in 1 John until the end of chapter 3—and it will play a significant role in the opening verses of chapter 4. But here, it serves the purpose of reinforcing his readers’ confidence that they are on the right path, abiding in God as they should.

]]> Fri, 30 Aug 2024 18:16:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 390 Although the word “spirit” appears almost 400 times in the New Testament, it doesn’t appear in 1 John until the end of chapter 3—and it will play a significant role in the opening verses of chapter 4. But here, it serves the purpose of reinforcing his readers’ confidence that they are on the right path, abiding in God as they should. Although the word “spirit” appears almost 400 times in the New Testament, it doesn’t appear in 1 John until the end of chapter 3—and it will play a significant role in the opening verses of chapter 4. But here, it serves the purpose of reinforcing his rea No 54 54 Episode 54: Don’t believe everything you hear full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/bb26f119-6b5d-376a-bcc7-8205c6b3195f https://share.transistor.fm/s/483217eb In some ways, John’s world may have been a bit less complex than ours; he didn’t live in an age of information technology in which we are bombarded by differing opinions and ideas from every side. But the confusion his readers were experiencing in the wake of the controversy that divided the community was difficult enough. At the beginning of chapter 4, therefore, John introduces the idea that believers must wisely “test the spirits” to see whether they are from God—or somewhere else.

]]> In some ways, John’s world may have been a bit less complex than ours; he didn’t live in an age of information technology in which we are bombarded by differing opinions and ideas from every side. But the confusion his readers were experiencing in the wake of the controversy that divided the community was difficult enough. At the beginning of chapter 4, therefore, John introduces the idea that believers must wisely “test the spirits” to see whether they are from God—or somewhere else.

]]> Fri, 30 Aug 2024 18:19:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 414 In some ways, John’s world may have been a bit less complex than ours; he didn’t live in an age of information technology in which we are bombarded by differing opinions and ideas from every side. But the confusion his readers were experiencing in the wake of the controversy that divided the community was difficult enough. At the beginning of chapter 4, therefore, John introduces the idea that believers must wisely “test the spirits” to see whether they are from God—or somewhere else. In some ways, John’s world may have been a bit less complex than ours; he didn’t live in an age of information technology in which we are bombarded by differing opinions and ideas from every side. But the confusion his readers were experiencing in the wak No 55 55 Episode 55: A litmus test full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/c688855e-dcaf-38a5-b3b7-7e6cbe0da016 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b929a209 At the opening of chapter 4, John advises his readers to beware of false claims to have a word from God and wisely “test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” But how does one go about doing that? We need to be careful, of course, not to apply any doctrinal tests blindly or harshly, but there are some dividing lines. And according to John, one of them is this: Do you believe that “Jesus Christ has come in the flesh”?

]]> At the opening of chapter 4, John advises his readers to beware of false claims to have a word from God and wisely “test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” But how does one go about doing that? We need to be careful, of course, not to apply any doctrinal tests blindly or harshly, but there are some dividing lines. And according to John, one of them is this: Do you believe that “Jesus Christ has come in the flesh”?

]]> Fri, 06 Sep 2024 18:19:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 427 At the opening of chapter 4, John advises his readers to beware of false claims to have a word from God and wisely “test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” But how does one go about doing that? We need to be careful, of course, not to apply any doctrinal tests blindly or harshly, but there are some dividing lines. And according to John, one of them is this: Do you believe that “Jesus Christ has come in the flesh”? At the opening of chapter 4, John advises his readers to beware of false claims to have a word from God and wisely “test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” But how does one go about doing that? We need to be careful, of course, not to apply an No 56 56 Episode 56: The gospel requires a body full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/f01212bd-505c-338f-a40e-bc7bccd8120c https://share.transistor.fm/s/e287e652 Nobody knows for certain what the secessionists—the people who left John’s community over a theological dispute—believed and taught. But many scholars believe it was probably some form of Gnosticism, a kind of spirituality that greatly valued the possession of special knowledge and devalued the physical world. Some Gnostics would have denied that God would inhabit something as lowly as a human body, let alone die on a cross. John’s response? If Jesus wasn’t a real, flesh-and-blood human being, there is no gospel.

]]> Nobody knows for certain what the secessionists—the people who left John’s community over a theological dispute—believed and taught. But many scholars believe it was probably some form of Gnosticism, a kind of spirituality that greatly valued the possession of special knowledge and devalued the physical world. Some Gnostics would have denied that God would inhabit something as lowly as a human body, let alone die on a cross. John’s response? If Jesus wasn’t a real, flesh-and-blood human being, there is no gospel.

]]> Fri, 06 Sep 2024 18:20:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 462 Nobody knows for certain what the secessionists—the people who left John’s community over a theological dispute—believed and taught. But many scholars believe it was probably some form of Gnosticism, a kind of spirituality that greatly valued the possession of special knowledge and devalued the physical world. Some Gnostics would have denied that God would inhabit something as lowly as a human body, let alone die on a cross. John’s response? If Jesus wasn’t a real, flesh-and-blood human being, there is no gospel. Nobody knows for certain what the secessionists—the people who left John’s community over a theological dispute—believed and taught. But many scholars believe it was probably some form of Gnosticism, a kind of spirituality that greatly valued the possessi No 57 57 Episode 57: I have overcome the world full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/ff66f72e-1ba4-3d18-b587-ba3cac390d6e https://share.transistor.fm/s/c412a773 Jesus’ last words to his disciples in the Upper Room, before he turned to pray to his Father, were “Take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). He had already told them there would be trouble after he was gone, and said this to encourage them. John seems to echo that thought as he encourages his readers. Jesus lived a fully human life, he seems to say, and yet he overcame his trials. So guess what? You have overcome, because you have Jesus in you.

]]> Jesus’ last words to his disciples in the Upper Room, before he turned to pray to his Father, were “Take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). He had already told them there would be trouble after he was gone, and said this to encourage them. John seems to echo that thought as he encourages his readers. Jesus lived a fully human life, he seems to say, and yet he overcame his trials. So guess what? You have overcome, because you have Jesus in you.

]]> Fri, 06 Sep 2024 18:21:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 453 Jesus’ last words to his disciples in the Upper Room, before he turned to pray to his Father, were “Take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). He had already told them there would be trouble after he was gone, and said this to encourage them. John seems to echo that thought as he encourages his readers. Jesus lived a fully human life, he seems to say, and yet he overcame his trials. So guess what? You have overcome, because you have Jesus in you. Jesus’ last words to his disciples in the Upper Room, before he turned to pray to his Father, were “Take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). He had already told them there would be trouble after he was gone, and said this to encourage them. Jo No 58 58 Episode 58: Same language, different worlds full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/3817b6cb-9713-362b-98c3-cf85903db9d5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/af0b1217 You’ve probably heard the expression: as a Christian, it’s possible to talk the talk without walking the walk. Something similar may have been true in John’s community. Those who left had used the name of Jesus, but believed and taught things about him that went against the gospel. They did so, John suggests, because they were too attached to what Eugene Peterson calls the “Christ-denying world.”

]]> You’ve probably heard the expression: as a Christian, it’s possible to talk the talk without walking the walk. Something similar may have been true in John’s community. Those who left had used the name of Jesus, but believed and taught things about him that went against the gospel. They did so, John suggests, because they were too attached to what Eugene Peterson calls the “Christ-denying world.”

]]> Fri, 13 Sep 2024 18:21:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 436 You’ve probably heard the expression: as a Christian, it’s possible to talk the talk without walking the walk. Something similar may have been true in John’s community. Those who left had used the name of Jesus, but believed and taught things about him that went against the gospel. They did so, John suggests, because they were too attached to what Eugene Peterson calls the “Christ-denying world.” You’ve probably heard the expression: as a Christian, it’s possible to talk the talk without walking the walk. Something similar may have been true in John’s community. Those who left had used the name of Jesus, but believed and taught things about him th No 59 59 Episode 59: The ears to hear full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/af96529e-2b3b-35ab-88ce-dd9ecc916f01 https://share.transistor.fm/s/be4a7c47 Everyone in John’s community had heard the gospel; they all knew what John had taught. But some, unfortunately, only heard what they wanted to hear. This is another of John’s litmus tests: do people heed the gospel as taught by the apostles or not?

]]> Everyone in John’s community had heard the gospel; they all knew what John had taught. But some, unfortunately, only heard what they wanted to hear. This is another of John’s litmus tests: do people heed the gospel as taught by the apostles or not?

]]> Fri, 13 Sep 2024 18:22:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 430 Everyone in John’s community had heard the gospel; they all knew what John had taught. But some, unfortunately, only heard what they wanted to hear. This is another of John’s litmus tests: do people heed the gospel as taught by the apostles or not? Everyone in John’s community had heard the gospel; they all knew what John had taught. But some, unfortunately, only heard what they wanted to hear. This is another of John’s litmus tests: do people heed the gospel as taught by the apostles or not? No 60 60 Episode 60: Don’t crush the competition full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/8c2d722e-d5ff-32f7-9941-72592acb8751 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4f04f5c8 As mentioned in a previous episode, Jesus told his disciples that he had “overcome” the world, and John told his readers that they had “overcome” the trouble stirred up by the secessionists. The verb John uses, when expressed as a noun, is nike—the goddess of victory and the name of what may be the most recognized brand of sportswear in the world. In our world, the NIKE brand is associated with “crushing the competition.” But despite his language of overcoming, John is about to emphasize something different: love.

]]> As mentioned in a previous episode, Jesus told his disciples that he had “overcome” the world, and John told his readers that they had “overcome” the trouble stirred up by the secessionists. The verb John uses, when expressed as a noun, is nike—the goddess of victory and the name of what may be the most recognized brand of sportswear in the world. In our world, the NIKE brand is associated with “crushing the competition.” But despite his language of overcoming, John is about to emphasize something different: love.

]]> Fri, 13 Sep 2024 18:23:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 435 As mentioned in a previous episode, Jesus told his disciples that he had “overcome” the world, and John told his readers that they had “overcome” the trouble stirred up by the secessionists. The verb John uses, when expressed as a noun, is nike—the goddess of victory and the name of what may be the most recognized brand of sportswear in the world. In our world, the NIKE brand is associated with “crushing the competition.” But despite his language of overcoming, John is about to emphasize something different: love. As mentioned in a previous episode, Jesus told his disciples that he had “overcome” the world, and John told his readers that they had “overcome” the trouble stirred up by the secessionists. The verb John uses, when expressed as a noun, is nike—the goddes No 61 61 Episode 61: God is love full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/82530a3e-329c-33ae-a91d-666da513459f https://share.transistor.fm/s/8cc4112c Some of the best-known verses in John’s letter, here in chapter 4, have to do with love. But what is love? John doesn’t try to define the word and then apply it to God. Rather, we need to read the meaning of what he says the other way around: whatever love truly is, it’s defined by the character of God. Everything else is imitation.

]]> Some of the best-known verses in John’s letter, here in chapter 4, have to do with love. But what is love? John doesn’t try to define the word and then apply it to God. Rather, we need to read the meaning of what he says the other way around: whatever love truly is, it’s defined by the character of God. Everything else is imitation.

]]> Fri, 20 Sep 2024 18:23:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 508 Some of the best-known verses in John’s letter, here in chapter 4, have to do with love. But what is love? John doesn’t try to define the word and then apply it to God. Rather, we need to read the meaning of what he says the other way around: whatever love truly is, it’s defined by the character of God. Everything else is imitation. Some of the best-known verses in John’s letter, here in chapter 4, have to do with love. But what is love? John doesn’t try to define the word and then apply it to God. Rather, we need to read the meaning of what he says the other way around: whatever lov No 63 63 Episode 63: A loving sacrifice full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/a89b5c5a-a57b-382f-a293-a2179d669dc2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/72369543 As Christians we are familiar with the idea, expressed in John 3:16, that the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross was a demonstration of God’s love. Sometimes I wonder, though, if we have become too familiar with the idea, to the point that it ceases to amaze us. John would have been raised to know of the love and mercy of God—but could he have imagined such a concrete expression of love as the cross?

]]> As Christians we are familiar with the idea, expressed in John 3:16, that the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross was a demonstration of God’s love. Sometimes I wonder, though, if we have become too familiar with the idea, to the point that it ceases to amaze us. John would have been raised to know of the love and mercy of God—but could he have imagined such a concrete expression of love as the cross?

]]> Fri, 20 Sep 2024 18:24:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 581 As Christians we are familiar with the idea, expressed in John 3:16, that the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross was a demonstration of God’s love. Sometimes I wonder, though, if we have become too familiar with the idea, to the point that it ceases to amaze us. John would have been raised to know of the love and mercy of God—but could he have imagined such a concrete expression of love as the cross? As Christians we are familiar with the idea, expressed in John 3:16, that the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross was a demonstration of God’s love. Sometimes I wonder, though, if we have become too familiar with the idea, to the point that it ceases to amaze No 62 62 Episode 62: Love is what love does full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/4c1b665f-dcdc-3c63-8663-1b779414272a https://share.transistor.fm/s/d3058072 Ask someone what the Bible says about love, and they’re likely to point to 1 Corinthians 13. But if you read what Paul says carefully, he doesn’t define what love is, but what love does and doesn’t do. We need to understand John similarly. Yes, love involves emotion, but it is more than that—and we know what love is by what God has done through Jesus.

]]> Ask someone what the Bible says about love, and they’re likely to point to 1 Corinthians 13. But if you read what Paul says carefully, he doesn’t define what love is, but what love does and doesn’t do. We need to understand John similarly. Yes, love involves emotion, but it is more than that—and we know what love is by what God has done through Jesus.

]]> Fri, 20 Sep 2024 18:24:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 396 Ask someone what the Bible says about love, and they’re likely to point to 1 Corinthians 13. But if you read what Paul says carefully, he doesn’t define what love is, but what love does and doesn’t do. We need to understand John similarly. Yes, love involves emotion, but it is more than that—and we know what love is by what God has done through Jesus. Ask someone what the Bible says about love, and they’re likely to point to 1 Corinthians 13. But if you read what Paul says carefully, he doesn’t define what love is, but what love does and doesn’t do. We need to understand John similarly. Yes, love invol No 64 64 Episode 64: Making the invisible God visible full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/9d67e48b-5e75-3d0d-b809-1236fa8280c2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/05356b94 In the Upper Room, Jesus commanded his disciples to love one another. Already in chapter 4, John has reminded his readers of that command twice. But he doesn’t just say this because it would be a nice thing to do. As he’ll suggest in 1 John 4:12, it’s because the love between believers is what makes the character of the invisible God visible.

]]> In the Upper Room, Jesus commanded his disciples to love one another. Already in chapter 4, John has reminded his readers of that command twice. But he doesn’t just say this because it would be a nice thing to do. As he’ll suggest in 1 John 4:12, it’s because the love between believers is what makes the character of the invisible God visible.

]]> Fri, 27 Sep 2024 18:25:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 376 In the Upper Room, Jesus commanded his disciples to love one another. Already in chapter 4, John has reminded his readers of that command twice. But he doesn’t just say this because it would be a nice thing to do. As he’ll suggest in 1 John 4:12, it’s because the love between believers is what makes the character of the invisible God visible. In the Upper Room, Jesus commanded his disciples to love one another. Already in chapter 4, John has reminded his readers of that command twice. But he doesn’t just say this because it would be a nice thing to do. As he’ll suggest in 1 John 4:12, it’s bec No 65 65 Episode 65: Confidence for the future full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/bd975f5e-bd9b-3d20-a60d-974032a3a053 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6c1f4824 Reading between the lines of John’s letter, we can sense how the controversy that split the community had shaken the confidence of those who remained. Indeed, the very purpose of the letter is to help them regain that confidence. He’s already told them that they must love one another as Jesus commanded. And now he reassures them: when they see that love in action, they know they’re living like Jesus, and that’s the basis of their confidence for when Jesus returns.

]]> Reading between the lines of John’s letter, we can sense how the controversy that split the community had shaken the confidence of those who remained. Indeed, the very purpose of the letter is to help them regain that confidence. He’s already told them that they must love one another as Jesus commanded. And now he reassures them: when they see that love in action, they know they’re living like Jesus, and that’s the basis of their confidence for when Jesus returns.

]]> Fri, 27 Sep 2024 18:25:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 450 Reading between the lines of John’s letter, we can sense how the controversy that split the community had shaken the confidence of those who remained. Indeed, the very purpose of the letter is to help them regain that confidence. He’s already told them that they must love one another as Jesus commanded. And now he reassures them: when they see that love in action, they know they’re living like Jesus, and that’s the basis of their confidence for when Jesus returns. Reading between the lines of John’s letter, we can sense how the controversy that split the community had shaken the confidence of those who remained. Indeed, the very purpose of the letter is to help them regain that confidence. He’s already told them th No 66 66 Episode 66: It’s all part of the plan full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/f67f5a5d-48c0-3557-88a2-f55c586f1921 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a0edcdd4 John has already told his readers that when they love one another, God’s love is being “made complete” in them (1 John 4:12), an idea that he repeats a few verses later. Jesus himself taught that the whole moral teaching of the Old Testament, boiled down to its essence, was to love God and neighbor wholeheartedly. To say that love is being made complete is to say that we’re growing up, maturing. And that, it seems, was the plan all along.

]]> John has already told his readers that when they love one another, God’s love is being “made complete” in them (1 John 4:12), an idea that he repeats a few verses later. Jesus himself taught that the whole moral teaching of the Old Testament, boiled down to its essence, was to love God and neighbor wholeheartedly. To say that love is being made complete is to say that we’re growing up, maturing. And that, it seems, was the plan all along.

]]> Fri, 27 Sep 2024 18:26:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 392 John has already told his readers that when they love one another, God’s love is being “made complete” in them (1 John 4:12), an idea that he repeats a few verses later. Jesus himself taught that the whole moral teaching of the Old Testament, boiled down to its essence, was to love God and neighbor wholeheartedly. To say that love is being made complete is to say that we’re growing up, maturing. And that, it seems, was the plan all along. John has already told his readers that when they love one another, God’s love is being “made complete” in them (1 John 4:12), an idea that he repeats a few verses later. Jesus himself taught that the whole moral teaching of the Old Testament, boiled down No 67 67 Episode 67: Confessing the Son full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/0e74e5e7-130f-3683-b07d-38856f136829 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ca987727 If someone says, “I believe in Jesus,” does that make them a Christian? Not necessarily. One of John’s litmus tests is that a true believer must “acknowledge” that Jesus came in the flesh (1 John 4:2) and is the Son of God (4:15). But as the story from John 9 shows, that acknowledgment has to be more than just lip service. Is a person willing to stand up for the truth about Jesus, even if doing so has a cost?

]]> If someone says, “I believe in Jesus,” does that make them a Christian? Not necessarily. One of John’s litmus tests is that a true believer must “acknowledge” that Jesus came in the flesh (1 John 4:2) and is the Son of God (4:15). But as the story from John 9 shows, that acknowledgment has to be more than just lip service. Is a person willing to stand up for the truth about Jesus, even if doing so has a cost?

]]> Fri, 04 Oct 2024 18:27:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 459 If someone says, “I believe in Jesus,” does that make them a Christian? Not necessarily. One of John’s litmus tests is that a true believer must “acknowledge” that Jesus came in the flesh (1 John 4:2) and is the Son of God (4:15). But as the story from John 9 shows, that acknowledgment has to be more than just lip service. Is a person willing to stand up for the truth about Jesus, even if doing so has a cost? If someone says, “I believe in Jesus,” does that make them a Christian? Not necessarily. One of John’s litmus tests is that a true believer must “acknowledge” that Jesus came in the flesh (1 John 4:2) and is the Son of God (4:15). But as the story from Jo No 68 68 Episode 68: Perfect love? full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/72beffe1-4fef-3a0d-ac1d-7cc31d6d2095 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5fc6642d In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught his followers that they were to become perfect like God, especially in the matter of love. But who is perfect in love? John doesn’t mean that our love must be flawless. Rather, while none of us loves with perfect and flawless consistency, the point is that we are growing up to be more and more like our heavenly Father and his Son in love. And hopefully, we can see that maturing process played out in our relationships to our brothers and sisters.

]]> In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught his followers that they were to become perfect like God, especially in the matter of love. But who is perfect in love? John doesn’t mean that our love must be flawless. Rather, while none of us loves with perfect and flawless consistency, the point is that we are growing up to be more and more like our heavenly Father and his Son in love. And hopefully, we can see that maturing process played out in our relationships to our brothers and sisters.

]]> Fri, 04 Oct 2024 18:27:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 499 In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught his followers that they were to become perfect like God, especially in the matter of love. But who is perfect in love? John doesn’t mean that our love must be flawless. Rather, while none of us loves with perfect and flawless consistency, the point is that we are growing up to be more and more like our heavenly Father and his Son in love. And hopefully, we can see that maturing process played out in our relationships to our brothers and sisters. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught his followers that they were to become perfect like God, especially in the matter of love. But who is perfect in love? John doesn’t mean that our love must be flawless. Rather, while none of us loves with perfect a No 69 69 Episode 69: Taking the initiative full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/b0d340a0-a4f4-3e5c-a559-269e620a06f1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5c087ab4 As the apostle Paul famously wrote, “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). John knows this too. He might counsel his readers to love one another, but is under no illusions that this is just a matter of drawing on the better angels of their nature. Rather, any ability we have to love one another truly has its origin in God, who took the initiative: “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

]]> As the apostle Paul famously wrote, “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). John knows this too. He might counsel his readers to love one another, but is under no illusions that this is just a matter of drawing on the better angels of their nature. Rather, any ability we have to love one another truly has its origin in God, who took the initiative: “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

]]> Fri, 04 Oct 2024 18:28:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 480 As the apostle Paul famously wrote, “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). John knows this too. He might counsel his readers to love one another, but is under no illusions that this is just a matter of drawing on the better angels of their nature. Rather, any ability we have to love one another truly has its origin in God, who took the initiative: “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). As the apostle Paul famously wrote, “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). John knows this too. He might counsel his readers to love one another, but is under no illusions that this is just a matter of drawing on the better angels o No 70 70 Episode 70: Are you calling me a liar? full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/d60f0295-50bb-3452-b1b7-feee89d8815d https://share.transistor.fm/s/05e7c5bc John has already said that to love one another is to live like Jesus and to make God’s character visible. The uncomfortable implication of this—and one that seems to apply to the secessionists who riled up the community—is that a person might claim to love God, but if they don’t love their brothers and sisters, it’s a lie.

]]> John has already said that to love one another is to live like Jesus and to make God’s character visible. The uncomfortable implication of this—and one that seems to apply to the secessionists who riled up the community—is that a person might claim to love God, but if they don’t love their brothers and sisters, it’s a lie.

]]> Fri, 11 Oct 2024 07:28:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 410 John has already said that to love one another is to live like Jesus and to make God’s character visible. The uncomfortable implication of this—and one that seems to apply to the secessionists who riled up the community—is that a person might claim to love God, but if they don’t love their brothers and sisters, it’s a lie. John has already said that to love one another is to live like Jesus and to make God’s character visible. The uncomfortable implication of this—and one that seems to apply to the secessionists who riled up the community—is that a person might claim to lov No 71 71 Episode 71: "Who do you say that I am?" full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/805b1ba4-7f9f-3ae3-9f46-a48074f113dc https://share.transistor.fm/s/2e63331a As we’ve seen, the issue that divided John’s community was the identity of Jesus—and the question was already a live one during Jesus’ earthly ministry. Think, for example, of Peter, who famously acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah, then turned right around and showed he still didn’t understand the full meaning of that confession. What does it mean to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ? That was the question for John’s fractured community, and it’s still the question today.

]]> As we’ve seen, the issue that divided John’s community was the identity of Jesus—and the question was already a live one during Jesus’ earthly ministry. Think, for example, of Peter, who famously acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah, then turned right around and showed he still didn’t understand the full meaning of that confession. What does it mean to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ? That was the question for John’s fractured community, and it’s still the question today.

]]> Fri, 11 Oct 2024 07:51:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 417 As we’ve seen, the issue that divided John’s community was the identity of Jesus—and the question was already a live one during Jesus’ earthly ministry. Think, for example, of Peter, who famously acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah, then turned right around and showed he still didn’t understand the full meaning of that confession. What does it mean to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ? That was the question for John’s fractured community, and it’s still the question today. As we’ve seen, the issue that divided John’s community was the identity of Jesus—and the question was already a live one during Jesus’ earthly ministry. Think, for example, of Peter, who famously acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah, then turned right around No 72 72 Episode 72: The church as a family full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/f580aea5-3e4f-389a-aeae-b975b9e72a06 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e939aef5 Hang around Christian congregations long enough, and sooner or later you’ll probably hear people refer to the church as a “family.” That’s a biblical way to think, of course; believers are brothers and sisters under one heavenly Father. But we need to take care, because the word “family” itself carries with it a lot of cultural and emotional baggage. John takes us back to basics: to believe that Jesus is the Christ is to be born of God the Father, and we should therefore love our siblings (1 John 5:1)—even when it isn’t easy.

]]> Hang around Christian congregations long enough, and sooner or later you’ll probably hear people refer to the church as a “family.” That’s a biblical way to think, of course; believers are brothers and sisters under one heavenly Father. But we need to take care, because the word “family” itself carries with it a lot of cultural and emotional baggage. John takes us back to basics: to believe that Jesus is the Christ is to be born of God the Father, and we should therefore love our siblings (1 John 5:1)—even when it isn’t easy.

]]> Fri, 11 Oct 2024 07:52:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 407 Hang around Christian congregations long enough, and sooner or later you’ll probably hear people refer to the church as a “family.” That’s a biblical way to think, of course; believers are brothers and sisters under one heavenly Father. But we need to take care, because the word “family” itself carries with it a lot of cultural and emotional baggage. John takes us back to basics: to believe that Jesus is the Christ is to be born of God the Father, and we should therefore love our siblings (1 John 5:1)—even when it isn’t easy. Hang around Christian congregations long enough, and sooner or later you’ll probably hear people refer to the church as a “family.” That’s a biblical way to think, of course; believers are brothers and sisters under one heavenly Father. But we need to tak No 73 73 Episode 73: Obedient in love full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/5108a5ed-17b4-3c17-8d26-ce4202b06943 https://share.transistor.fm/s/820ae564 Throughout his letters, John seems to think back continually to what Jesus told his disciples in Upper Room on the night he was arrested. He remembers the repeated commandment to love one another, and emphasizes that over and over as he writes. But let’s face it: some people are easier to love than others, even within our own families, even within the church. John thinks of the believers in his community as family; do they think that way of each other? Or do they feel defeated?

]]> Throughout his letters, John seems to think back continually to what Jesus told his disciples in Upper Room on the night he was arrested. He remembers the repeated commandment to love one another, and emphasizes that over and over as he writes. But let’s face it: some people are easier to love than others, even within our own families, even within the church. John thinks of the believers in his community as family; do they think that way of each other? Or do they feel defeated?

]]> Fri, 18 Oct 2024 04:53:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 465 Throughout his letters, John seems to think back continually to what Jesus told his disciples in Upper Room on the night he was arrested. He remembers the repeated commandment to love one another, and emphasizes that over and over as he writes. But let’s face it: some people are easier to love than others, even within our own families, even within the church. John thinks of the believers in his community as family; do they think that way of each other? Or do they feel defeated? Throughout his letters, John seems to think back continually to what Jesus told his disciples in Upper Room on the night he was arrested. He remembers the repeated commandment to love one another, and emphasizes that over and over as he writes. But let’s No 74 74 Episode 74: Overcome the world full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/e3f9a110-fa0b-379f-830d-6e4a0e421f49 https://share.transistor.fm/s/40e3255d We love heroic stories, stories of ordinary people overcoming extraordinary odds. But in the wake of a church split, people may feel particularly un-heroic, wondering how things could go so badly when they’re trying to be faithful. John seems to know that his community needs encouragement. They are loving one another even if they don’t do it perfectly, and faith itself is already a sign of overcoming the world.

]]> We love heroic stories, stories of ordinary people overcoming extraordinary odds. But in the wake of a church split, people may feel particularly un-heroic, wondering how things could go so badly when they’re trying to be faithful. John seems to know that his community needs encouragement. They are loving one another even if they don’t do it perfectly, and faith itself is already a sign of overcoming the world.

]]> Fri, 18 Oct 2024 04:54:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 508 We love heroic stories, stories of ordinary people overcoming extraordinary odds. But in the wake of a church split, people may feel particularly un-heroic, wondering how things could go so badly when they’re trying to be faithful. John seems to know that his community needs encouragement. They are loving one another even if they don’t do it perfectly, and faith itself is already a sign of overcoming the world. We love heroic stories, stories of ordinary people overcoming extraordinary odds. But in the wake of a church split, people may feel particularly un-heroic, wondering how things could go so badly when they’re trying to be faithful. John seems to know that No 75 75 Episode 75: Water and blood full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/b8486d61-95c6-3267-9d00-c1c299ac7db0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b57b41a9 John has emphasized the importance of right belief about the identity of Jesus. But in chapter 5, he says something oddly confusing about Jesus, insisting repeatedly that he came by “water and blood” (vss. 6-8)—probably as a rejoinder to something taught by the secessionists. As you might guess, the statement has generated a great deal of scholarly speculation, and in this episode, we’ll explore what John may have meant.

]]> John has emphasized the importance of right belief about the identity of Jesus. But in chapter 5, he says something oddly confusing about Jesus, insisting repeatedly that he came by “water and blood” (vss. 6-8)—probably as a rejoinder to something taught by the secessionists. As you might guess, the statement has generated a great deal of scholarly speculation, and in this episode, we’ll explore what John may have meant.

]]> Fri, 18 Oct 2024 04:55:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 527 John has emphasized the importance of right belief about the identity of Jesus. But in chapter 5, he says something oddly confusing about Jesus, insisting repeatedly that he came by “water and blood” (vss. 6-8)—probably as a rejoinder to something taught by the secessionists. As you might guess, the statement has generated a great deal of scholarly speculation, and in this episode, we’ll explore what John may have meant. John has emphasized the importance of right belief about the identity of Jesus. But in chapter 5, he says something oddly confusing about Jesus, insisting repeatedly that he came by “water and blood” (vss. 6-8)—probably as a rejoinder to something taught No 76 76 Episode 76: Lost in translations full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/3d08e80f-de63-34ae-9beb-8ac51515810c https://share.transistor.fm/s/b04ddaa4 Chances are, when we read the Bible, we have our go-to translation, even though we know that other versions exist. Most of the time, the differences between translations are minor. But not always, and 1 John 5 is a case in point. In this episode, we explore the strange tale of the so-called “Johannine comma”—words that appear in the King James Version of the letter but not in other translations.

]]> Chances are, when we read the Bible, we have our go-to translation, even though we know that other versions exist. Most of the time, the differences between translations are minor. But not always, and 1 John 5 is a case in point. In this episode, we explore the strange tale of the so-called “Johannine comma”—words that appear in the King James Version of the letter but not in other translations.

]]> Fri, 25 Oct 2024 04:55:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 500 Chances are, when we read the Bible, we have our go-to translation, even though we know that other versions exist. Most of the time, the differences between translations are minor. But not always, and 1 John 5 is a case in point. In this episode, we explore the strange tale of the so-called “Johannine comma”—words that appear in the King James Version of the letter but not in other translations. Chances are, when we read the Bible, we have our go-to translation, even though we know that other versions exist. Most of the time, the differences between translations are minor. But not always, and 1 John 5 is a case in point. In this episode, we explo No 77 77 Episode 77: The weightiest of witnesses full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/1d4faaca-43e3-3606-a427-bafe125fd691 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b51c62d7 If you enjoy watching legal dramas—or have ever served on a jury!—you know how important it is to a case to have not only a competent attorney, but witnesses who give credible testimony. In 1 John 5, the apostle draws upon legal metaphors to insist that the truth about Jesus has been established on the testimony of the best of witnesses: not only the water and the blood, but the Holy Spirit and God himself.

]]> If you enjoy watching legal dramas—or have ever served on a jury!—you know how important it is to a case to have not only a competent attorney, but witnesses who give credible testimony. In 1 John 5, the apostle draws upon legal metaphors to insist that the truth about Jesus has been established on the testimony of the best of witnesses: not only the water and the blood, but the Holy Spirit and God himself.

]]> Fri, 25 Oct 2024 04:56:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 475 If you enjoy watching legal dramas—or have ever served on a jury!—you know how important it is to a case to have not only a competent attorney, but witnesses who give credible testimony. In 1 John 5, the apostle draws upon legal metaphors to insist that the truth about Jesus has been established on the testimony of the best of witnesses: not only the water and the blood, but the Holy Spirit and God himself. If you enjoy watching legal dramas—or have ever served on a jury!—you know how important it is to a case to have not only a competent attorney, but witnesses who give credible testimony. In 1 John 5, the apostle draws upon legal metaphors to insist that t No 78 78 Episode 78: The verdict full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/12414b04-d19b-3b3d-afaa-5c75b598cb56 https://share.transistor.fm/s/40224a17 As we explored in the previous episode, John uses courtroom language to talk about the testimony of the water, the blood, the Spirit, and God himself to the truth about Jesus. But the imagery is fluid, shifting in a way that suggests it’s the secessionists themselves who are on trial for their false teaching. And in that trial, God, the Judge and Lawgiver, takes the stand before the final verdict is delivered.

]]> As we explored in the previous episode, John uses courtroom language to talk about the testimony of the water, the blood, the Spirit, and God himself to the truth about Jesus. But the imagery is fluid, shifting in a way that suggests it’s the secessionists themselves who are on trial for their false teaching. And in that trial, God, the Judge and Lawgiver, takes the stand before the final verdict is delivered.

]]> Fri, 25 Oct 2024 04:57:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 464 As we explored in the previous episode, John uses courtroom language to talk about the testimony of the water, the blood, the Spirit, and God himself to the truth about Jesus. But the imagery is fluid, shifting in a way that suggests it’s the secessionists themselves who are on trial for their false teaching. And in that trial, God, the Judge and Lawgiver, takes the stand before the final verdict is delivered. As we explored in the previous episode, John uses courtroom language to talk about the testimony of the water, the blood, the Spirit, and God himself to the truth about Jesus. But the imagery is fluid, shifting in a way that suggests it’s the secessionist No 81 81 Episode 81: Getting what we want? full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/5c6497af-bc7c-3084-920b-23e583ceb4a1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/56478cc7 When we were kids, we wanted what we wanted. And sometimes, even as adults, we want things from God. There’s nothing wrong with that in itself—unless we presume that God has promised to give us anything we ask. Indeed, John seems to suggest that in 1 John 5:14-15, a text which echoes something Jesus said in the Upper Room. But is that what John means? Is that what Jesus meant?

]]> When we were kids, we wanted what we wanted. And sometimes, even as adults, we want things from God. There’s nothing wrong with that in itself—unless we presume that God has promised to give us anything we ask. Indeed, John seems to suggest that in 1 John 5:14-15, a text which echoes something Jesus said in the Upper Room. But is that what John means? Is that what Jesus meant?

]]> Fri, 01 Nov 2024 04:57:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 418 When we were kids, we wanted what we wanted. And sometimes, even as adults, we want things from God. There’s nothing wrong with that in itself—unless we presume that God has promised to give us anything we ask. Indeed, John seems to suggest that in 1 John 5:14-15, a text which echoes something Jesus said in the Upper Room. But is that what John means? Is that what Jesus meant? When we were kids, we wanted what we wanted. And sometimes, even as adults, we want things from God. There’s nothing wrong with that in itself—unless we presume that God has promised to give us anything we ask. Indeed, John seems to suggest that in 1 John No 79 79 Episode 79: You do it your way, I’ll do it God’s way… full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/2b5b8f43-67e4-3e01-9f13-693e881fc256 https://share.transistor.fm/s/bdbcc6b1 Churches can divide over issues that may seem trivial to an outsider—but to an insider, they’re anything but. Before we begin our exploration of the final verses of 1 John, therefore, I want to suggest five lessons we can draw from what we’ve already seen, general principles that I hope would help us do a better job of faithfully approaching and navigating church conflict.

]]> Churches can divide over issues that may seem trivial to an outsider—but to an insider, they’re anything but. Before we begin our exploration of the final verses of 1 John, therefore, I want to suggest five lessons we can draw from what we’ve already seen, general principles that I hope would help us do a better job of faithfully approaching and navigating church conflict.

]]> Fri, 01 Nov 2024 04:58:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 496 Churches can divide over issues that may seem trivial to an outsider—but to an insider, they’re anything but. Before we begin our exploration of the final verses of 1 John, therefore, I want to suggest five lessons we can draw from what we’ve already seen, general principles that I hope would help us do a better job of faithfully approaching and navigating church conflict. Churches can divide over issues that may seem trivial to an outsider—but to an insider, they’re anything but. Before we begin our exploration of the final verses of 1 John, therefore, I want to suggest five lessons we can draw from what we’ve already seen No 80 80 Episode 80: The reason for writing full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/7d87aa7e-25a3-3437-a77e-35fa5221036b https://share.transistor.fm/s/42fd041c John is approaching the end of the letter we know as 1 John. Though the letter contains theology, it is not a theological treatise; it was written to give pastoral reassurance to his readers. He’s just said that the secessionists stand condemned for their false teaching and beliefs; in the wake of the conflict, are his readers anxious about their own salvation? “Don’t worry,” John seems to say in verse 13 of chapter 5; “if you truly believe in the name of the Son of God, you have eternal life.”

]]> John is approaching the end of the letter we know as 1 John. Though the letter contains theology, it is not a theological treatise; it was written to give pastoral reassurance to his readers. He’s just said that the secessionists stand condemned for their false teaching and beliefs; in the wake of the conflict, are his readers anxious about their own salvation? “Don’t worry,” John seems to say in verse 13 of chapter 5; “if you truly believe in the name of the Son of God, you have eternal life.”

]]> Fri, 01 Nov 2024 04:58:00 -0300 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 409 John is approaching the end of the letter we know as 1 John. Though the letter contains theology, it is not a theological treatise; it was written to give pastoral reassurance to his readers. He’s just said that the secessionists stand condemned for their false teaching and beliefs; in the wake of the conflict, are his readers anxious about their own salvation? “Don’t worry,” John seems to say in verse 13 of chapter 5; “if you truly believe in the name of the Son of God, you have eternal life.” John is approaching the end of the letter we know as 1 John. Though the letter contains theology, it is not a theological treatise; it was written to give pastoral reassurance to his readers. He’s just said that the secessionists stand condemned for their No 84 84 Episode 84: Safe from harm full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/c0c3e68b-cc9d-3162-ae13-e5783757d5a3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e8bd9502 The final verses of 1 John read a bit like an executive summary of what came before. But it’s not just for the purpose of conveying information more efficiently. The pastoral purpose of the letter is to provide spiritual comfort to people who were rocked by the conflict that split the community. Thus, even as John pushes his readers to take sin seriously, he also wants to reassure them that they are indeed God’s children, kept safe from the devil’s clutches.

]]> The final verses of 1 John read a bit like an executive summary of what came before. But it’s not just for the purpose of conveying information more efficiently. The pastoral purpose of the letter is to provide spiritual comfort to people who were rocked by the conflict that split the community. Thus, even as John pushes his readers to take sin seriously, he also wants to reassure them that they are indeed God’s children, kept safe from the devil’s clutches.

]]> Fri, 08 Nov 2024 04:03:00 -0400 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 510 The final verses of 1 John read a bit like an executive summary of what came before. But it’s not just for the purpose of conveying information more efficiently. The pastoral purpose of the letter is to provide spiritual comfort to people who were rocked by the conflict that split the community. Thus, even as John pushes his readers to take sin seriously, he also wants to reassure them that they are indeed God’s children, kept safe from the devil’s clutches. The final verses of 1 John read a bit like an executive summary of what came before. But it’s not just for the purpose of conveying information more efficiently. The pastoral purpose of the letter is to provide spiritual comfort to people who were rocked No 82 82 Episode 82: Praying about sin full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/333b4eab-4ddd-328a-87a0-1f65808cfd8d https://share.transistor.fm/s/38f3f0b1 We may be used to sharing prayer requests with each other—but only rarely are those prayer requests about our struggle with sin. John seems to think that we should indeed pray for one another when we see such struggles. But he also suggests that we don’t need to pray about sin “that leads to death” (1 John 5:16-17). What did he mean?

]]> We may be used to sharing prayer requests with each other—but only rarely are those prayer requests about our struggle with sin. John seems to think that we should indeed pray for one another when we see such struggles. But he also suggests that we don’t need to pray about sin “that leads to death” (1 John 5:16-17). What did he mean?

]]> Fri, 08 Nov 2024 04:57:00 -0400 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 516 We may be used to sharing prayer requests with each other—but only rarely are those prayer requests about our struggle with sin. John seems to think that we should indeed pray for one another when we see such struggles. But he also suggests that we don’t need to pray about sin “that leads to death” (1 John 5:16-17). What did he mean? We may be used to sharing prayer requests with each other—but only rarely are those prayer requests about our struggle with sin. John seems to think that we should indeed pray for one another when we see such struggles. But he also suggests that we don’t No 83 83 Episode 83: But what about Paul? full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/0299f1c7-c4d6-3700-9a9b-6f55f61a8d1b https://share.transistor.fm/s/cd8ea4a2 In a well-known phrase from Romans 6:23, the apostle Paul writes that “the wages of sin is death.” But as we’ve seen, John writes that “there is a sin that does not lead to death” (1 John 5:17). Is this a contradiction? It sounds like it if the verses are read by themselves. But as I’ll suggest in this episode, the contradiction disappears if we read the verses in their proper context.

]]> In a well-known phrase from Romans 6:23, the apostle Paul writes that “the wages of sin is death.” But as we’ve seen, John writes that “there is a sin that does not lead to death” (1 John 5:17). Is this a contradiction? It sounds like it if the verses are read by themselves. But as I’ll suggest in this episode, the contradiction disappears if we read the verses in their proper context.

]]> Fri, 08 Nov 2024 04:58:00 -0400 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 460 In a well-known phrase from Romans 6:23, the apostle Paul writes that “the wages of sin is death.” But as we’ve seen, John writes that “there is a sin that does not lead to death” (1 John 5:17). Is this a contradiction? It sounds like it if the verses are read by themselves. But as I’ll suggest in this episode, the contradiction disappears if we read the verses in their proper context. In a well-known phrase from Romans 6:23, the apostle Paul writes that “the wages of sin is death.” But as we’ve seen, John writes that “there is a sin that does not lead to death” (1 John 5:17). Is this a contradiction? It sounds like it if the verses are No 85 85 Episode 85: Knowing the truth full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/032fc8a7-b6d4-3f47-a0fe-3d19b7627604 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a749bed9 As we’ve seen, the theological core of the conflict between the secessionists and the rest of John’s community was the truth about the identity of Jesus. As he begins to wrap up the letter, John emphasizes not only what we know, but whom. We must know the truth about Jesus, but we must also know that Jesus is himself the Truth: “the true God and eternal life” (1 John 5:20).

]]> As we’ve seen, the theological core of the conflict between the secessionists and the rest of John’s community was the truth about the identity of Jesus. As he begins to wrap up the letter, John emphasizes not only what we know, but whom. We must know the truth about Jesus, but we must also know that Jesus is himself the Truth: “the true God and eternal life” (1 John 5:20).

]]> Fri, 15 Nov 2024 04:04:00 -0400 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 394 As we’ve seen, the theological core of the conflict between the secessionists and the rest of John’s community was the truth about the identity of Jesus. As he begins to wrap up the letter, John emphasizes not only what we know, but whom. We must know the truth about Jesus, but we must also know that Jesus is himself the Truth: “the true God and eternal life” (1 John 5:20). As we’ve seen, the theological core of the conflict between the secessionists and the rest of John’s community was the truth about the identity of Jesus. As he begins to wrap up the letter, John emphasizes not only what we know, but whom. We must know the No 86 86 Episode 86: Drop the mic full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/40500049-3e1c-3cc2-a285-046c1e92b891 https://share.transistor.fm/s/04c4a980 Here is 1 John 5:21, the last sentence of the letter: “Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.” On a casual reading, it seems to come out of nowhere, as if John had one more thing to say but forgot to include it earlier. But as I’ll suggest in this episode, it’s possible to read that verse as John dropping the mic, ending the letter with a pithy and completely appropriate punchline to the rest of the letter.

]]> Here is 1 John 5:21, the last sentence of the letter: “Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.” On a casual reading, it seems to come out of nowhere, as if John had one more thing to say but forgot to include it earlier. But as I’ll suggest in this episode, it’s possible to read that verse as John dropping the mic, ending the letter with a pithy and completely appropriate punchline to the rest of the letter.

]]> Fri, 15 Nov 2024 04:04:00 -0400 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 487 Here is 1 John 5:21, the last sentence of the letter: “Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.” On a casual reading, it seems to come out of nowhere, as if John had one more thing to say but forgot to include it earlier. But as I’ll suggest in this episode, it’s possible to read that verse as John dropping the mic, ending the letter with a pithy and completely appropriate punchline to the rest of the letter. Here is 1 John 5:21, the last sentence of the letter: “Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.” On a casual reading, it seems to come out of nowhere, as if John had one more thing to say but forgot to include it earlier. But as I’ll suggest in this epi No 87 87 Episode 87: Don’t give them a platform… full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/b954bfbb-14ef-3608-9ea4-96a77dbf19c4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5bc65b51 As we begin our study of 2 John, I want to take one episode to sketch the background to the letter. As we’ve seen, 1 John was written to the people who remained in his community after the secessionists left. Second John, by contrast, is written to one or more other communities. But some of the issues are the same, because the letter deals with the aftermath of the split. Those who left his community have begun taking their false teaching elsewhere, and John wants to warn others not to give them a platform for their harmful views about Jesus.

]]> As we begin our study of 2 John, I want to take one episode to sketch the background to the letter. As we’ve seen, 1 John was written to the people who remained in his community after the secessionists left. Second John, by contrast, is written to one or more other communities. But some of the issues are the same, because the letter deals with the aftermath of the split. Those who left his community have begun taking their false teaching elsewhere, and John wants to warn others not to give them a platform for their harmful views about Jesus.

]]> Fri, 15 Nov 2024 04:05:00 -0400 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 485 As we begin our study of 2 John, I want to take one episode to sketch the background to the letter. As we’ve seen, 1 John was written to the people who remained in his community after the secessionists left. Second John, by contrast, is written to one or more other communities. But some of the issues are the same, because the letter deals with the aftermath of the split. Those who left his community have begun taking their false teaching elsewhere, and John wants to warn others not to give them a platform for their harmful views about Jesus. As we begin our study of 2 John, I want to take one episode to sketch the background to the letter. As we’ve seen, 1 John was written to the people who remained in his community after the secessionists left. Second John, by contrast, is written to one or No 88 88 Episode 88: To the Chosen Lady, with love full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/658b6f6b-05f8-3524-a702-aa5e6fe751f0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/aeb4903e Second John is a much shorter letter than 1 John, but the connections between the two letters are easy to see, even on a quick reading. Unlike 1 John, however, 2 John reads much more like a conventional letter, identifying not only the person writing the letter, but to whom the letter is addressed. But both of these are a little mysterious. Who is the “chosen lady” to whom John writes?

]]> Second John is a much shorter letter than 1 John, but the connections between the two letters are easy to see, even on a quick reading. Unlike 1 John, however, 2 John reads much more like a conventional letter, identifying not only the person writing the letter, but to whom the letter is addressed. But both of these are a little mysterious. Who is the “chosen lady” to whom John writes?

]]> Fri, 22 Nov 2024 04:06:00 -0400 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 447 Second John is a much shorter letter than 1 John, but the connections between the two letters are easy to see, even on a quick reading. Unlike 1 John, however, 2 John reads much more like a conventional letter, identifying not only the person writing the letter, but to whom the letter is addressed. But both of these are a little mysterious. Who is the “chosen lady” to whom John writes? Second John is a much shorter letter than 1 John, but the connections between the two letters are easy to see, even on a quick reading. Unlike 1 John, however, 2 John reads much more like a conventional letter, identifying not only the person writing the No 89 89 Episode 89: True love versus loving in truth full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/f56bc88d-fe97-3215-9df1-f1575d837c51 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f847a837 “True love” is one of our favorite cultural tropes; it’s shorthand for our romantic hopes. But when John addresses the “chosen lady” at the beginning of 2 John, and does so with love, we need a different interpretive context. Against the background of what we’ve already seen in 1 John, it’s clear that when John says he loves the chosen lady “in the truth,” he means the kind of love that befits and embodies the gospel.

]]> “True love” is one of our favorite cultural tropes; it’s shorthand for our romantic hopes. But when John addresses the “chosen lady” at the beginning of 2 John, and does so with love, we need a different interpretive context. Against the background of what we’ve already seen in 1 John, it’s clear that when John says he loves the chosen lady “in the truth,” he means the kind of love that befits and embodies the gospel.

]]> Fri, 22 Nov 2024 04:07:00 -0400 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 429 “True love” is one of our favorite cultural tropes; it’s shorthand for our romantic hopes. But when John addresses the “chosen lady” at the beginning of 2 John, and does so with love, we need a different interpretive context. Against the background of what we’ve already seen in 1 John, it’s clear that when John says he loves the chosen lady “in the truth,” he means the kind of love that befits and embodies the gospel. “True love” is one of our favorite cultural tropes; it’s shorthand for our romantic hopes. But when John addresses the “chosen lady” at the beginning of 2 John, and does so with love, we need a different interpretive context. Against the background of wha No 90 90 Episode 90: Encouraging obedience full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/191380c6-9104-32ca-af16-d08ac139d789 https://share.transistor.fm/s/81f1e9a6 John’s community had gone through much pain and confusion, and he wanted to spare other communities the same heartache. That’s the purpose of 2 John, and some of what he says there seems harsh. How do you tell people something they may not want to hear? Start by saying something nice; ancient letters often began by establishing some goodwill between the sender and the recipient. But in trying to encourage obedience to the truth, was John paying his readers a left-handed compliment?

]]> John’s community had gone through much pain and confusion, and he wanted to spare other communities the same heartache. That’s the purpose of 2 John, and some of what he says there seems harsh. How do you tell people something they may not want to hear? Start by saying something nice; ancient letters often began by establishing some goodwill between the sender and the recipient. But in trying to encourage obedience to the truth, was John paying his readers a left-handed compliment?

]]> Fri, 22 Nov 2024 13:12:00 -0400 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 407 John’s community had gone through much pain and confusion, and he wanted to spare other communities the same heartache. That’s the purpose of 2 John, and some of what he says there seems harsh. How do you tell people something they may not want to hear? Start by saying something nice; ancient letters often began by establishing some goodwill between the sender and the recipient. But in trying to encourage obedience to the truth, was John paying his readers a left-handed compliment? John’s community had gone through much pain and confusion, and he wanted to spare other communities the same heartache. That’s the purpose of 2 John, and some of what he says there seems harsh. How do you tell people something they may not want to hear? S No 91 91 Episode 91: Walking in truth, walking in love full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/8ade1570-922a-3b18-9220-3eb757c719d2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0182301f What does it mean to be a "Christian"? Is it about believing the right things? As we’ve seen already, it’s important to know and believe the truth about Jesus. But authentic faith is more than a matter of right belief; it’s a matter of living in a way that embodies that belief. John’s metaphor for this is “walking.” As he says in 2 John 4-6, walking in the truth of the gospel means walking in obedience to the command of Jesus. And the command that John emphasizes is for the followers of Jesus to love one another.

]]> What does it mean to be a "Christian"? Is it about believing the right things? As we’ve seen already, it’s important to know and believe the truth about Jesus. But authentic faith is more than a matter of right belief; it’s a matter of living in a way that embodies that belief. John’s metaphor for this is “walking.” As he says in 2 John 4-6, walking in the truth of the gospel means walking in obedience to the command of Jesus. And the command that John emphasizes is for the followers of Jesus to love one another.

]]> Fri, 29 Nov 2024 04:12:00 -0400 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 418 What does it mean to be a "Christian"? Is it about believing the right things? As we’ve seen already, it’s important to know and believe the truth about Jesus. But authentic faith is more than a matter of right belief; it’s a matter of living in a way that embodies that belief. John’s metaphor for this is “walking.” As he says in 2 John 4-6, walking in the truth of the gospel means walking in obedience to the command of Jesus. And the command that John emphasizes is for the followers of Jesus to love one another. What does it mean to be a "Christian"? Is it about believing the right things? As we’ve seen already, it’s important to know and believe the truth about Jesus. But authentic faith is more than a matter of right belief; it’s a matter of living in a way tha No 92 92 Episode 92: Watch yourselves! full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/0c25bf68-aeba-34d0-9b29-856c7882f047 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7c4a6d57 When someone shouts “Watch out!” we’re immediately on the alert. Some danger is near, and we need to take immediate action. With the secessionists on the loose spreading false ideas about Jesus, John writes the letter we know as 2 John to tell others to watch out for them and their teaching. But as I’ll suggest in this episode, it might be better to translate his warning as “Watch yourselves,” because it may make an important difference in our attitude.

]]> When someone shouts “Watch out!” we’re immediately on the alert. Some danger is near, and we need to take immediate action. With the secessionists on the loose spreading false ideas about Jesus, John writes the letter we know as 2 John to tell others to watch out for them and their teaching. But as I’ll suggest in this episode, it might be better to translate his warning as “Watch yourselves,” because it may make an important difference in our attitude.

]]> Fri, 29 Nov 2024 04:13:00 -0400 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 445 When someone shouts “Watch out!” we’re immediately on the alert. Some danger is near, and we need to take immediate action. With the secessionists on the loose spreading false ideas about Jesus, John writes the letter we know as 2 John to tell others to watch out for them and their teaching. But as I’ll suggest in this episode, it might be better to translate his warning as “Watch yourselves,” because it may make an important difference in our attitude. When someone shouts “Watch out!” we’re immediately on the alert. Some danger is near, and we need to take immediate action. With the secessionists on the loose spreading false ideas about Jesus, John writes the letter we know as 2 John to tell others to w No 93 93 Episode 93: Going too far full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/eccb561b-a0d9-3208-a145-a6cd1de29975 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a533b502 Innovation is important. Many of the technologies we take for granted and use constantly are the result of someone thinking outside the box. But not every innovation is progress, especially in the world of ideas and doctrine. Thinking about the beliefs and teaching of the secessionists, John warns that they have gone too far, running ahead and leaving behind the true gospel, and with it, their relationship to God.

]]> Innovation is important. Many of the technologies we take for granted and use constantly are the result of someone thinking outside the box. But not every innovation is progress, especially in the world of ideas and doctrine. Thinking about the beliefs and teaching of the secessionists, John warns that they have gone too far, running ahead and leaving behind the true gospel, and with it, their relationship to God.

]]> Fri, 29 Nov 2024 04:14:00 -0400 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 477 Innovation is important. Many of the technologies we take for granted and use constantly are the result of someone thinking outside the box. But not every innovation is progress, especially in the world of ideas and doctrine. Thinking about the beliefs and teaching of the secessionists, John warns that they have gone too far, running ahead and leaving behind the true gospel, and with it, their relationship to God. Innovation is important. Many of the technologies we take for granted and use constantly are the result of someone thinking outside the box. But not every innovation is progress, especially in the world of ideas and doctrine. Thinking about the beliefs an No 94 94 Episode 94: A hard line full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/29cfe9bd-063f-34dc-8516-148864ee0b91 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3668af90 In this episode, we come to one of the harshest statements in the letter, in which John advises his readers to not even let the secessionists into their homes. By this, he probably means to not let them participate in their house churches, so as not to give them a platform for their false ideas about Jesus. But can we draw such hard lines in a way that still embodies a gospel of love? We’ll begin exploring that question using the concept of bounded versus centered sets.

]]> In this episode, we come to one of the harshest statements in the letter, in which John advises his readers to not even let the secessionists into their homes. By this, he probably means to not let them participate in their house churches, so as not to give them a platform for their false ideas about Jesus. But can we draw such hard lines in a way that still embodies a gospel of love? We’ll begin exploring that question using the concept of bounded versus centered sets.

]]> Fri, 06 Dec 2024 04:14:00 -0400 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 467 In this episode, we come to one of the harshest statements in the letter, in which John advises his readers to not even let the secessionists into their homes. By this, he probably means to not let them participate in their house churches, so as not to give them a platform for their false ideas about Jesus. But can we draw such hard lines in a way that still embodies a gospel of love? We’ll begin exploring that question using the concept of bounded versus centered sets. In this episode, we come to one of the harshest statements in the letter, in which John advises his readers to not even let the secessionists into their homes. By this, he probably means to not let them participate in their house churches, so as not to gi No 95 95 Episode 95: Strengthening the core full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/d33addc3-f70e-352a-b1c9-eff9b9a1b622 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a6f62a82 In the previous episode, I introduced the distinction between bounded and centered sets as they might apply to congregations. The ideas complement each other. Though there may be times in which we need to draw hard boundaries, this is secondary to our commitment to embodying our shared core convictions. Without a balance between the two, we may fall too easily into the human tendency to make in-groups and out-groups.

]]> In the previous episode, I introduced the distinction between bounded and centered sets as they might apply to congregations. The ideas complement each other. Though there may be times in which we need to draw hard boundaries, this is secondary to our commitment to embodying our shared core convictions. Without a balance between the two, we may fall too easily into the human tendency to make in-groups and out-groups.

]]> Fri, 06 Dec 2024 04:15:00 -0400 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 474 In the previous episode, I introduced the distinction between bounded and centered sets as they might apply to congregations. The ideas complement each other. Though there may be times in which we need to draw hard boundaries, this is secondary to our commitment to embodying our shared core convictions. Without a balance between the two, we may fall too easily into the human tendency to make in-groups and out-groups. In the previous episode, I introduced the distinction between bounded and centered sets as they might apply to congregations. The ideas complement each other. Though there may be times in which we need to draw hard boundaries, this is secondary to our com No 96 96 Episode 96: Face to face full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/9b297dbb-8043-3cae-b155-10d6c03935cb https://share.transistor.fm/s/74364500 There’s only so much that can be said in as short a letter as 2 John; at the end of the letter, the apostle expresses the desire to meet and talk with his readers in person instead. He suggests that to do so would bring him joy. But this is not necessarily the joy of being reunited with long-lost friends. Rather, it’s the joy of meeting people who are your brothers and sisters in Christ, even if they live many miles away.

]]> There’s only so much that can be said in as short a letter as 2 John; at the end of the letter, the apostle expresses the desire to meet and talk with his readers in person instead. He suggests that to do so would bring him joy. But this is not necessarily the joy of being reunited with long-lost friends. Rather, it’s the joy of meeting people who are your brothers and sisters in Christ, even if they live many miles away.

]]> Fri, 06 Dec 2024 04:16:00 -0400 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 458 There’s only so much that can be said in as short a letter as 2 John; at the end of the letter, the apostle expresses the desire to meet and talk with his readers in person instead. He suggests that to do so would bring him joy. But this is not necessarily the joy of being reunited with long-lost friends. Rather, it’s the joy of meeting people who are your brothers and sisters in Christ, even if they live many miles away. There’s only so much that can be said in as short a letter as 2 John; at the end of the letter, the apostle expresses the desire to meet and talk with his readers in person instead. He suggests that to do so would bring him joy. But this is not necessaril No 97 97 Episode 97: Reading someone else’s mail? full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/3b000f0c-51e2-38bf-a589-d036f5b64a43 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8e1078bf Unlike 2 John, 3 John is addressed directly to an individual, a dear friend of John’s named Gaius. It’s the shortest book of the Bible, but also one of the most personal; reading it feels a bit like reading someone else’s mail. In this episode, we begin our study of 3 John by sketching the situational background that helps us make sense of the letter.

]]> Unlike 2 John, 3 John is addressed directly to an individual, a dear friend of John’s named Gaius. It’s the shortest book of the Bible, but also one of the most personal; reading it feels a bit like reading someone else’s mail. In this episode, we begin our study of 3 John by sketching the situational background that helps us make sense of the letter.

]]> Fri, 13 Dec 2024 04:16:00 -0400 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 418 Unlike 2 John, 3 John is addressed directly to an individual, a dear friend of John’s named Gaius. It’s the shortest book of the Bible, but also one of the most personal; reading it feels a bit like reading someone else’s mail. In this episode, we begin our study of 3 John by sketching the situational background that helps us make sense of the letter. Unlike 2 John, 3 John is addressed directly to an individual, a dear friend of John’s named Gaius. It’s the shortest book of the Bible, but also one of the most personal; reading it feels a bit like reading someone else’s mail. In this episode, we begin o No 98 98 Episode 98: Who was Gaius? full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/70e9fd02-d4a4-3deb-a51a-14fc1b615e48 https://share.transistor.fm/s/af3c95ef Second John was addressed, a bit mysterious, “to the lady chosen by God and to her children.” Third John, by contrast, is addressed concretely to a man named Gaius whom he also loves “in the truth.” But who was Gaius? The name appears several times in the New Testament. Is John writing to one of the Gaiuses mentioned elsewhere, or to someone else?

]]> Second John was addressed, a bit mysterious, “to the lady chosen by God and to her children.” Third John, by contrast, is addressed concretely to a man named Gaius whom he also loves “in the truth.” But who was Gaius? The name appears several times in the New Testament. Is John writing to one of the Gaiuses mentioned elsewhere, or to someone else?

]]> Fri, 13 Dec 2024 04:17:00 -0400 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 478 Second John was addressed, a bit mysterious, “to the lady chosen by God and to her children.” Third John, by contrast, is addressed concretely to a man named Gaius whom he also loves “in the truth.” But who was Gaius? The name appears several times in the New Testament. Is John writing to one of the Gaiuses mentioned elsewhere, or to someone else? Second John was addressed, a bit mysterious, “to the lady chosen by God and to her children.” Third John, by contrast, is addressed concretely to a man named Gaius whom he also loves “in the truth.” But who was Gaius? The name appears several times in the No 99 99 Episode 99: This is NOT the prosperity gospel full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/3a44bea5-f8a1-383c-a7a8-ea0eda71d567 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f851f7ca Third John follows the ancient customs of letter writing more closely than 2 John, and much more closely than 1 John. Such customs included not only naming the recipient of your letter but wishing them well. John’s well-wishes in verse 2, however, have been famously taken out of context and made to say something they weren’t meant to say—to support what’s known as the prosperity gospel.

]]> Third John follows the ancient customs of letter writing more closely than 2 John, and much more closely than 1 John. Such customs included not only naming the recipient of your letter but wishing them well. John’s well-wishes in verse 2, however, have been famously taken out of context and made to say something they weren’t meant to say—to support what’s known as the prosperity gospel.

]]> Fri, 13 Dec 2024 04:18:00 -0400 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 468 Third John follows the ancient customs of letter writing more closely than 2 John, and much more closely than 1 John. Such customs included not only naming the recipient of your letter but wishing them well. John’s well-wishes in verse 2, however, have been famously taken out of context and made to say something they weren’t meant to say—to support what’s known as the prosperity gospel. Third John follows the ancient customs of letter writing more closely than 2 John, and much more closely than 1 John. Such customs included not only naming the recipient of your letter but wishing them well. John’s well-wishes in verse 2, however, have be No 100 100 Episode 100: The virtue of hospitality full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/eb36482c-e01a-31b6-95e7-4bb67dc6f8a1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c64685b6 These days, hospitality is a profit-making industry, in which we pay good money for the right hotel or dining “experience.” But in John’s day, hospitality was a much needed virtue in the fledgling church. Traveling missionaries depended on other believers for their food and lodging. Gaius was known for his hospitality, and John was sending a man named Demetrius to him. How would Gaius respond, and why?

]]> These days, hospitality is a profit-making industry, in which we pay good money for the right hotel or dining “experience.” But in John’s day, hospitality was a much needed virtue in the fledgling church. Traveling missionaries depended on other believers for their food and lodging. Gaius was known for his hospitality, and John was sending a man named Demetrius to him. How would Gaius respond, and why?

]]> Fri, 20 Dec 2024 04:18:00 -0400 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 454 These days, hospitality is a profit-making industry, in which we pay good money for the right hotel or dining “experience.” But in John’s day, hospitality was a much needed virtue in the fledgling church. Traveling missionaries depended on other believers for their food and lodging. Gaius was known for his hospitality, and John was sending a man named Demetrius to him. How would Gaius respond, and why? These days, hospitality is a profit-making industry, in which we pay good money for the right hotel or dining “experience.” But in John’s day, hospitality was a much needed virtue in the fledgling church. Traveling missionaries depended on other believers No 101 101 Episode 101: For the sake of the Name full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/96f61646-d803-378e-84c0-7fd498e9f569 https://share.transistor.fm/s/028ba883 We may be used to treating personal names like labels, but they’re much more than that. God revealed his name to Moses at the burning bush, and over time, that name was taken as too holy to say aloud. As Christians, we’ve been taught to pray in the name of Jesus, as Jesus himself taught his disciples to do. But do we have a sense of what we’re doing when we say “in Jesus’ name”? That’s important to what John wants Gaius to understand about the significance of hospitality.

]]> We may be used to treating personal names like labels, but they’re much more than that. God revealed his name to Moses at the burning bush, and over time, that name was taken as too holy to say aloud. As Christians, we’ve been taught to pray in the name of Jesus, as Jesus himself taught his disciples to do. But do we have a sense of what we’re doing when we say “in Jesus’ name”? That’s important to what John wants Gaius to understand about the significance of hospitality.

]]> Fri, 20 Dec 2024 04:19:00 -0400 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 524 We may be used to treating personal names like labels, but they’re much more than that. God revealed his name to Moses at the burning bush, and over time, that name was taken as too holy to say aloud. As Christians, we’ve been taught to pray in the name of Jesus, as Jesus himself taught his disciples to do. But do we have a sense of what we’re doing when we say “in Jesus’ name”? That’s important to what John wants Gaius to understand about the significance of hospitality. We may be used to treating personal names like labels, but they’re much more than that. God revealed his name to Moses at the burning bush, and over time, that name was taken as too holy to say aloud. As Christians, we’ve been taught to pray in the name o No 102 102 Episode 102: We’re not superheroes full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/a25cf244-f194-393a-b7c3-7d1e1ab50ca2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2ed27832 Like myself, many people seem to enjoy a good superhero movie. Indeed, we may resonate with any kind of heroic story in which the protagonist finds the strength to overcome his or her challenges. But we should be wary of reading biblical stories in heroic terms, because we’re not meant to engage in ministry or mission alone—we need the faithful support of people like Gaius.

]]> Like myself, many people seem to enjoy a good superhero movie. Indeed, we may resonate with any kind of heroic story in which the protagonist finds the strength to overcome his or her challenges. But we should be wary of reading biblical stories in heroic terms, because we’re not meant to engage in ministry or mission alone—we need the faithful support of people like Gaius.

]]> Fri, 20 Dec 2024 04:20:00 -0400 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 546 Like myself, many people seem to enjoy a good superhero movie. Indeed, we may resonate with any kind of heroic story in which the protagonist finds the strength to overcome his or her challenges. But we should be wary of reading biblical stories in heroic terms, because we’re not meant to engage in ministry or mission alone—we need the faithful support of people like Gaius. Like myself, many people seem to enjoy a good superhero movie. Indeed, we may resonate with any kind of heroic story in which the protagonist finds the strength to overcome his or her challenges. But we should be wary of reading biblical stories in heroic No 103 103 Episode 103: The first shall be last full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/f48a6256-9a3e-316f-8b73-285010d4e85f https://share.transistor.fm/s/a7322c84 Good leaders inspire the respect and loyalty of others; bad leaders inspire fear instead. Though we know very little about Diotrephes, the way John describes him suggests that he was a poor leader who ruled through intimidation. We can give him the benefit of the doubt by allowing that he may simply not have known better—but he still makes a good case study in how not to use power as a Christian leader.

]]> Good leaders inspire the respect and loyalty of others; bad leaders inspire fear instead. Though we know very little about Diotrephes, the way John describes him suggests that he was a poor leader who ruled through intimidation. We can give him the benefit of the doubt by allowing that he may simply not have known better—but he still makes a good case study in how not to use power as a Christian leader.

]]> Fri, 27 Dec 2024 04:20:00 -0400 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 493 Good leaders inspire the respect and loyalty of others; bad leaders inspire fear instead. Though we know very little about Diotrephes, the way John describes him suggests that he was a poor leader who ruled through intimidation. We can give him the benefit of the doubt by allowing that he may simply not have known better—but he still makes a good case study in how not to use power as a Christian leader. Good leaders inspire the respect and loyalty of others; bad leaders inspire fear instead. Though we know very little about Diotrephes, the way John describes him suggests that he was a poor leader who ruled through intimidation. We can give him the benefi No 104 104 Episode 104: Follow the leader full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/769afeb6-1160-32d7-89e9-f1bc238856f6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5566db1b In 3 John 11, the apostle urges Gaius to “imitate” what is good, not what is evil—which may be his way of saying, “Don’t act like Diotrephes.” In this episode, we explore how important it is for leaders of all kinds—including parents!—to be good models to others.

]]> In 3 John 11, the apostle urges Gaius to “imitate” what is good, not what is evil—which may be his way of saying, “Don’t act like Diotrephes.” In this episode, we explore how important it is for leaders of all kinds—including parents!—to be good models to others.

]]> Fri, 27 Dec 2024 04:21:00 -0400 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 394 In 3 John 11, the apostle urges Gaius to “imitate” what is good, not what is evil—which may be his way of saying, “Don’t act like Diotrephes.” In this episode, we explore how important it is for leaders of all kinds—including parents!—to be good models to others. In 3 John 11, the apostle urges Gaius to “imitate” what is good, not what is evil—which may be his way of saying, “Don’t act like Diotrephes.” In this episode, we explore how important it is for leaders of all kinds—including parents!—to be good models to No 105 105 Episode 105: The truth isn’t always nice full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/03850229-04ef-3e83-b32f-7830ae7c8504 https://share.transistor.fm/s/05268eed As we’ve seen throughout John’s letters, the apostle often has some very direct and harsh things to say. If we’ve been taught to only say nice things, his words may make us uncomfortable; is the “apostle of love” supposed to say stuff like that? It’s good and right for us to be careful and kind with our words. But as we’ll explore in this episode, we also need to remember that love is not the same as niceness, and that sometimes the truth isn’t nice.

]]> As we’ve seen throughout John’s letters, the apostle often has some very direct and harsh things to say. If we’ve been taught to only say nice things, his words may make us uncomfortable; is the “apostle of love” supposed to say stuff like that? It’s good and right for us to be careful and kind with our words. But as we’ll explore in this episode, we also need to remember that love is not the same as niceness, and that sometimes the truth isn’t nice.

]]> Fri, 27 Dec 2024 04:22:00 -0400 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 348 As we’ve seen throughout John’s letters, the apostle often has some very direct and harsh things to say. If we’ve been taught to only say nice things, his words may make us uncomfortable; is the “apostle of love” supposed to say stuff like that? It’s good and right for us to be careful and kind with our words. But as we’ll explore in this episode, we also need to remember that love is not the same as niceness, and that sometimes the truth isn’t nice. As we’ve seen throughout John’s letters, the apostle often has some very direct and harsh things to say. If we’ve been taught to only say nice things, his words may make us uncomfortable; is the “apostle of love” supposed to say stuff like that? It’s good No 106 106 Episode 106: Highly recommended full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/bca89d4c-1787-3ee5-ad34-8468d4bd3a08 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6978e54e Third John was written to encourage Gaius to keep giving hospitable support to the work of the gospel. It also serves as a letter of reference for Demetrius, the man whom John is sending to Gaius for hospitality. But who was Demetrius? In this episode, we’ll look at one interesting possibility, and explore the triple testimony John gives to his character.

]]> Third John was written to encourage Gaius to keep giving hospitable support to the work of the gospel. It also serves as a letter of reference for Demetrius, the man whom John is sending to Gaius for hospitality. But who was Demetrius? In this episode, we’ll look at one interesting possibility, and explore the triple testimony John gives to his character.

]]> Fri, 03 Jan 2025 04:22:00 -0400 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 441 Third John was written to encourage Gaius to keep giving hospitable support to the work of the gospel. It also serves as a letter of reference for Demetrius, the man whom John is sending to Gaius for hospitality. But who was Demetrius? In this episode, we’ll look at one interesting possibility, and explore the triple testimony John gives to his character. Third John was written to encourage Gaius to keep giving hospitable support to the work of the gospel. It also serves as a letter of reference for Demetrius, the man whom John is sending to Gaius for hospitality. But who was Demetrius? In this episode, we No 107 107 Episode 107: Friends full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/516540c8-18b2-37cd-9278-6f6b2f4ebbe2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b8bc9044 Third John, as we’ve seen, is the shortest book in the Bible, and there is only so much that can be said in so few words. As he did at the end of 2 John, the apostle says that he hopes to have a face-to-face conversation to finish talking things out. He also gives final greetings, in a way that may remind us of the letters of Paul. But as we’ll see, John’s wording is a little different, suggesting yet another way that he wants to encourage Gaius.

]]> Third John, as we’ve seen, is the shortest book in the Bible, and there is only so much that can be said in so few words. As he did at the end of 2 John, the apostle says that he hopes to have a face-to-face conversation to finish talking things out. He also gives final greetings, in a way that may remind us of the letters of Paul. But as we’ll see, John’s wording is a little different, suggesting yet another way that he wants to encourage Gaius.

]]> Fri, 03 Jan 2025 04:23:00 -0400 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 475 Third John, as we’ve seen, is the shortest book in the Bible, and there is only so much that can be said in so few words. As he did at the end of 2 John, the apostle says that he hopes to have a face-to-face conversation to finish talking things out. He also gives final greetings, in a way that may remind us of the letters of Paul. But as we’ll see, John’s wording is a little different, suggesting yet another way that he wants to encourage Gaius. Third John, as we’ve seen, is the shortest book in the Bible, and there is only so much that can be said in so few words. As he did at the end of 2 John, the apostle says that he hopes to have a face-to-face conversation to finish talking things out. He a No 108 108 Episode 108: Truth with a capital T full chunks3lightandlove.podbean.com/a1bb01ef-77f4-3b84-95fb-1cbcdf28fe34 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2549356f In this final episode on John’s letters, we explore a theme that seems to unite all three letters: truth. John has insisted that some things about Jesus are true, and to deny these truths is to deny the gospel. More than this, however, he has insisted on the importance of “walking in the truth,” living in a way that befits that gospel. Can we do that, when we live in a world where “truth” so often seems relative?

]]> In this final episode on John’s letters, we explore a theme that seems to unite all three letters: truth. John has insisted that some things about Jesus are true, and to deny these truths is to deny the gospel. More than this, however, he has insisted on the importance of “walking in the truth,” living in a way that befits that gospel. Can we do that, when we live in a world where “truth” so often seems relative?

]]> Fri, 03 Jan 2025 04:24:00 -0400 chunks3lightandlove chunks3lightandlove 573 In this final episode on John’s letters, we explore a theme that seems to unite all three letters: truth. John has insisted that some things about Jesus are true, and to deny these truths is to deny the gospel. More than this, however, he has insisted on the importance of “walking in the truth,” living in a way that befits that gospel. Can we do that, when we live in a world where “truth” so often seems relative? In this final episode on John’s letters, we explore a theme that seems to unite all three letters: truth. John has insisted that some things about Jesus are true, and to deny these truths is to deny the gospel. More than this, however, he has insisted on No