OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for November 2019
December 1, 2019
Jude 21 – Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Thought: Jude gives his readers some ways to endure the onslaught of the false teachers who have entered their midst. In the previous verse, he touched upon faith and prayer. In this verse, he touches upon love and hope. “Keep yourselves in the love of God.” This is done through obedience to the Word of God. He also reminds them of the mercy they will receive and eternal life they will enjoy when Jesus Christ comes again. That glorious end will make all that is endured worth it.
John 15:9-10
December 2, 2019
Jude 22 – And of some have compassion, making a difference.
Thought: Another needed element of survival when false teachers enter the church involves rescue. False teachers have the ability to sway individuals toward their error. The faithful must not allow the weak to get away without a fight. Some of those we will seek to recover will be easy to bring back. We can speak to them with love and compassion in our hearts and they will return. When they do, heaven will rejoice.
Acts 18:24-26
December 3, 2019
Jude 23 – And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
Thought: Again, when false teachers spread their malicious lies, some are influenced by them. These followers of error need to be rescued. Some are easy to bring back. Others are not. We must save them with fear. We must snatch them out of the fire. Our warnings may have to be many and very stern. We may have to rebuke them sharply. Why? Because we love them and hate their Christian garments that are stained by the flesh.
Titus 1:13
December 4, 2019
Jude 24 - Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.
Thought: If we will stay faithful in our service to God, He is able to keep us from falling from His grace. We will be secure from false doctrine and sin. Living such a life with God will enable Him to present us faultless when we enter into His presence at the judgment. Can you imagine having no sins to your charge as you stand in judgment? What a day that will be! It will be filled with exceeding joy.
II Timothy 4:18
December 5, 2019
Jude 25 - To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty and dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Thought: The inspired penman closes his brief epistle with praise to “the only wise God.” The false teachers thought they were wise, but God’s foolishness was wiser than their wisdom. He wanted his readers to remember that salvation sprang from God, not the promoters of error. It is God who possesses glory, majesty, dominion, and power. He does so now. He will possess them forever. Any man is foolish to turn his back on such a magnificent God.
Romans 11:33
December 6, 2019
II John 1 – The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth.
Thought: There are many anonymous individuals spoken of in the Scriptures. In this verse, we read of one of them. John simply refers to her as “the elect lady.” In the epistle, we will gain some insights into this woman. They only make us long to know her more. She obeyed the gospel of Christ. She had children. She was loved by John the apostle. She was loved by all who knew the truth. Dear readers, a godly life will make us deeply appreciated by others.
II Thessalonians 2:13-14
December 7, 2019
II John 2 – For the truth’s sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.
Thought: Truth is a valuable commodity. However, not all embrace it. Many even fight against it. When others possess it, we should rejoice. Those who find it know that it is a precious gift. It dwells in them. It governs their life. Their lives are enriched by it. They will never give it up. As John says: “…and shall be with us for ever.” My friend, if you have learned the truth, hold it fast!
I Peter 1:23-25
December 8, 2019
II John 3 – Grace be with you mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
Thought: Three of the most wonderful blessings that a person could receive are grace, mercy, and peace. Grace covers our sins. Mercy brings us divine assistance from above. Peace involves tranquility and the absence of turmoil and war. When these three things come from above, they are perfect in nature. When wrapped in truth and delivered in love, there are no greater gifts.
I Timothy 1:2
December 9, 2019
II John 4 – I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.
Thought: Those who know and love the truth are always glad to hear when others are walking in the truth. To walk in the truth means to live in harmony with the demands of truth. Notice John associates truth with the commands of God. When a person obeys God’s commands, he is walking in the truth. If he rejects the truth, he deviates from the path of righteousness. Which path are you taking?
III John 3-4
December 10, 2019
II John 5 – And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.
Thought: John has been called “the apostle of love.” He references love many times in his epistles. He exhorts us to love God. He also reminds us of a commandment that came from the lips of our Lord. “Love one another.” This is not always an easy commandment to obey for two reasons. Love involves self-sacrifice. Too, some people are not very lovable. Still, love is worth it. Love someone today.
John 13:34-35
December 11, 2019
II John 6 – And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.
Thought: Many in the religious world have disconnected love and obedience. The Bible never does this. John does not do this. Listen to the apostle’s words: “And this is love, that we walk after his commandments.” Just saying the words: “I love you,” is not enough. God wants us to prove our love by walking in His commandments. Dear reader, saying and doing are two different things.
John 14:15
December 12, 2019
II John 7 – For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
Thought: There are individuals who are opposed to the truth. They seek to deceive both those in and out of the church. Some of the deceivers are so bold as to proclaim that Jesus Christ did not come in the flesh. John not only calls them deceivers, but antichrists as well. This writer finds it interesting that so many in the world are looking for the antichrist to come, but John says they existed in the first century.
I John 4:2-3
December 13, 2019
II John 8 – Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
Thought: When false teachers enter into our lives and into our churches, they pose a serious threat. If we believe their lies, we could lose our reward. Oftentimes churches have been ripped asunder and their labors hindered for years because of false teaching. We do not want to lose the things for which we have worked so diligently. Thus, we must look to ourselves. We must always be on our guard.
Revelation 3:11
December 14, 2019
II John 9 – Whoseover transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
Thought: Some do not feel that doctrine is important. The word “doctrine” simply means teaching. John let’s us know that how we respond to the teaching of Christ impacts our relationship with God. Those who refuse to abide in the doctrine of Christ do not have God. Those who abide in the teachings of Christ have both the Father and the Son. It is important understand that God and His Word are closely associated.
Hebrews 3:14
December 15, 2019
II John 10 – If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed.
Thought: John understood the danger of a false teacher. If a person associated with a false teacher, his doctrine could lead the individual away from the truth. John, therefore, counsels the elect lady not to receive the false teacher into her home. She was not even to wish him well in his endeavors. Truth is vital to one’s soul. Anything and anyone who opposes the truth is dangerous. Those who love the truth will not associate with the proponents of error.
Romans 16:17-18
December 16, 2019
II John 11 – For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
Thought: The righteous should never wish those who stand opposed to God and truth well. They are enemies of the cross of Christ. They are not building up the kingdom of Christ. They are destroying it. They are not saving souls. They are causing souls to be lost. Instead of God speed, they deserve our stern rebuke. Our association with them only makes them seem legitimate. They are not!
Ephesians 5:11
December 17, 2019
II John 12 – Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
Thought: There are times when things can be written to others. There are other times when things need to be said face to face. John mentions one of these times. He just had too much to say to the elect lady. It would be easier for him to communicate these things orally. It is interesting that he also had an end in mind. It included both himself and the elect lady. He writes: “…that our joy may be full.” Wouldn’t it wonderful if all spoke to others in an attempt to bring joy?
John 15:11
December 18, 2019
II John 13 – The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.
Thought: Isn’t is always fun to hear from others, even it is through another person? We are reminded of the times in the past that we were together. We are reminded that there are people who are not in our lives at the present who still love and care about us. Their greetings make us smile and feel good. Their greetings make our hearts swell. These greetings are even greater blessings when they come from family. Note: These were the elect lady’s nieces and nephews who greeted her.
Romans 16:3-4
December 19, 2019
III John 1- The elder unto the well beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
Thought: Here we find another personal letter from the apostle John to a faithful member of the Lord’s church in the first century. John was an elderly man. He wrote to a friend whom he describes as “well beloved.” To be well beloved, a person lives his life in a loving way. He demonstrates the traits of love found in I Corinthians 13. These two men also had another bond, the bond of truth. Truth unites men of all stripes. We need more loving relationship based upon the truth of God’s Word.
I Peter 1:22
December 20, 2019
III John 2 – Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
Thought: Prosperity is not an evil thing in and of itself. Prosperity used wisely can do great and wonderful things. However, it is also important for one to stay focused on his soul, his spiritual man. John ties the two together in his address to Gaius. Here is a question we should ask ourselves: “If my wealth were to be based on my spirituality, how rich would I be?” My friend, prosper, but not to the neglect of your soul.
Revelation 3:16-17
December 21, 2019
III John 3 – For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in truth.
Thought: We come into contact with many people as we live our lives. After they leave our presence, they often speak to others about us. The impression we make on them is important. When others informed John about Gaius, they “testified of the truth” that was in him and that he walked in truth. When John heard this news, he rejoiced greatly. It is always a joy to hear when brethren are faithful.
I Thessalonians 3:6-9
December 22, 2019
III John 4 – I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
Thought: John gives us some insight into his relationship with Gaius. It may have been that John converted Gaius. He refers to him as one of his children. His teaching may have been the cause of Gaius’ being born again. He was apart from him at this time. However, he heard that Gaius was walking in the truth. This brought great joy to John’s heart. In fact, he said there was no greater joy.
I Corinthians 4:15
December 23, 2019
III John 5 – Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers.
Thought: The Bible often instructs us as to “how” to do things. John revealed that Gaius faithfully did whatever he did to the brethren and strangers. To do something faithfully is to do it as it has been authorized by God. Some no longer seem to think this is important. They want to do them the way they see fit. They believe God will accept them just because they are sincere. Not so. We must do whatever we do faithfully.
Colossians 3:17
December 24, 2019
III John 6 – Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort thou shalt do well.
Thought: Again, the things that individuals do in their service to God are noticed by others. The brethren and strangers Gaius helped bore witness of his charity. But, sometime our works go unnoticed or we get no thanks for them. We can grow discourage. We must keep on keeping on. We must remember that the things that we are doing are godly and we have God’s approval.
Titus 3:13
December 25, 2019
III John 7 – Because that for this name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
Thought: In the first century, there were many who made great sacrifices for Jesus’ name. They went forth preaching the gospel with scarce resources. Often they refused to take money from those who heard and obeyed their teachings. They did not want to be accused of any improprieties. Thus, they were dependent upon the generosity of others to help them. This is why men like Gaius were vital to the cause of Christ. They would supply the needs of those who were sowing the seed of God’s Word.
Acts 8:5-6
December 26, 2019
III John 8 – We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.
Thought: There are many people on the front lines preaching the gospel of Christ, but not all can be on the frontline. This, however, does not mean those in the background cannot be of great assistance. Gaius was. He received the proclaimers of truth into his house. By helping those in the trenches, we become fellowhelpers to the truth. Without this assistance, the sowers of God’s Word would have a much more difficult task.
Philippians 1:3-5
December 27, 2019
III John 9 – I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
Thought: Power is a very dangerous thing. Power enables one to make decisions. It allows one to control the direction of an organization. It gives an individual control over others. Some yearn for power. They long for the authority. They “love” to have the preeminence. Their love of power often puts them at odds with others in power. Diotrephes was such a man. His power grab put him at odds with the apostle John.
Matthew 20:25-26
December 28, 2019
III John 10 – Wherefore, if I come I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
Thought: Evil people do not need to be overlooked or discounted, especially within the church. John was not going to allow Diotrephes off the hook. He said he would remember his deeds when he came back to that area. John tells us that this wicked man thought of himself as the gatekeeper of the church. He spoke evil of John. He would not receive those sent to him by John. And, he would not allow anyone else receive them. Sadly, he viewed himself as the authority over all authorities.
I Corinthians 4:21
December 29, 2019
III John 11 – Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
Thought: There are only two ways people can behave. They can do evil, or, they can do good. John exhorts Gaius to follow good, not evil. The choice we make proves whose side we are on. “He that doeth good is of God.” Those who do evil have not seen God. They have not seen God through the eyes of faith. They have not come to appreciate His greatness and holiness. They have not experienced His love. If they had, they would do good.
Proverbs 16:17
December 30, 2019
III John 12 – Demetrius hath a good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.
Thought: In this verse we read of another faithful member of the church of the first century. His life harmonized with the truth. Others were willing to arise and testify on his behalf regarding his steadfastness. Even John was familiar with him and was willing to bear record on behalf of Demetrius. It is a wonderful testimony when others are willing to vouch for your faithfulness to God.
I Timothy 3:7
December 31, 2019
III John 13, 14 – I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee. But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.
Thought: John closes his letter longing to say many more things to his friend Gaius. However, he would wait until he saw him to say anything more. In these two verses, we are impressed with brotherhood that exists between Christians. Not only did John write to Gaius, but he tells Gaius to “greet the friends by name.” Too, those around John sent greetings to Gaius and his company. When a person becomes a Christian, he has a large family who loves and cares for him.
Romans 16:3-16
Read devotionals for January 2020
