By Grace Alone

John tells us in 1 John 3:19-20 that we shall know we are of the truth by loving our brothers and sisters in Christ.

“By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.” (1 John 3:19-20, ESV)

The lack of love today that is shown to our brothers and sisters from inside the church is unbelievable. People who worship together each week in a local church setting are treating each other like pagans.

The New Testament paints the image of church as a family, not a social club, not a social service. We must love our brothers and sisters more than we love ourselves because John has shown us (1 John 3:16) that we must lay down our lives for the brothers and that includes putting others ahead of ourselves.

When we do love the brothers we have added benefits, including assurance of our salvation and a picture of God’s amazing grace for His children, the believers themselves.

In Christ
Jeff

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I normally don’t post video’s from NBC’s ER but this clip speaks volumes about deception of post-modernism. It shows the need for real Pastors to speak the real truth found only in our God and in His Word the Holy Bible. Watch it all the way to the end.

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When reading the passage “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6, ESV) you can’t help but see the power and majesty that belongs to our God. And as His people we are also called to walk in a manner worthy of our calling. This message reflects that as we continue on in His Word. – Enjoy :-)

 

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John tells us “Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard.” (1 John 2:7, ESV). This old/new commandment is a commandment to love the brethren which in turns shows we love God which in turns shows that we are truly Christians and to love God means to keep His commandments!

“Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”” (John 14:21, ESV)

“If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.” (John 15:10, ESV)

“You are my friends if you do what I command you.” (John 15:14, ESV)

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”” (John 13:34-35, ESV)

It is so easy to forget that we are commanded to love the brothers and it is a true test to see if we are of the faith. Love of the brethren furthers the Gospel, makes a clear biblical witness to a lost world and brings assurance to the believer. What more could you ask for?

 

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