Read today’s texts first: 1 John 1-5
MAXIMize YOUR DAY
When it comes to living right and loving others, it’s not what we know but Who we know that matters.
What a great day to read about Jesus, our Messiah - the heart of the Christmas message.
John’s understanding of Jesus is so simple and authentic that he quickly cuts to the chase. False teachers are infiltrating the church at the time he wrote this letter (2:18,19; 4:1-3). To help the church identify these false teachers and their teachings, John quickly lays out three tests for authentic Christianity: do you believe Jesus is the virgin-born, only-begotten Son of God, the Messiah (2:22,23; 4:3); have you chosen to practice right living instead of sin (3:4-10); do you genuinely love other people (4:7,8)?
The answer to the first question determines your ability to answer yes to the other two. While some of my recent blog entries have focused on the human response and responsibility to our faith, faith always comes first. Without a relationship with the Author and Perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), it’s difficult to consistently practice right living or genuinely love others unconditionally.
Belief in Jesus as the Messiah is the dividing line between Christianity and every false religion, cult or sect. If a person or belief system dismisses or minimizes Christ’s virgin-birth (divinity), sinless life, death for our sins, and bodily resurrection, they represent the spirit of antichrist. There is no option for ambivalence when it comes to Jesus - you are either pro-Christ or antichrist, with Him or against Him! If you are with Him, He will be with you, helping you make right choices, forgiving you when you fail, and teaching you how to love others like He does.
“Lord, we celebrate today how You came to be with us and how You made it possible for us to know You personally. When it comes to living right and loving others, it’s not what we know but Who we know that matters. This Christmas, like every other day, I want to know You more!”
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