Morning Message: The Day of the Lord

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "The Day of the Lord"

Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

An execution took place a few days ago in Texas on Wednesday evening. The man had showed no remorse for his crimes until the day of his execution.

More than twenty years had passed since his crime. His appeals were all used up, and the family of his victim watched as a lethal injection brought an end to the man who had caused them so much pain and heart ache. It was only from the death chamber that he finally conveyed his remorse to his victim’s family. His good works in prison were not enough to atone for his crime.

God will not be mocked. It was for the sins of the whole world that God sent His only begotten Son to be executed for our sins. The time of reckoning had come, and love prevailed with God’s mercy, love and grace evident so that we might live.

The Jews had God’s laws before any other group. Yet they rebelled, and when they saw no immediate repercussions for their breaking God’s Laws, they continued on in their rebellion. But then… The Day of the Lord was prophesied to them. God’s Prophets had warned them. God’s mercy was upon them, but remorse and repentance did not come. The Day of the Lord came instead. An invasion would take them away from their homes, their Temple, and from their land. Friends and families would lose touch with one another.

While Israel was on the receiving end of God’s wrath back then, it is upon the whole world today. We are warned by the same Prophets that had warned the Jews. The day of reckoning is coming for the whole world, and the death of God’s only begotten Son remains mankind’s only escape from His wrath. He asks us to simply believe on His Son, for the promise of escape.

The End-Times began some 2,000 years ago. The signs of their fulfillment are all around us today. 2 Peter 3:8 - If a thousand years is as a day to the Lord, and a day is as a thousand years, then we are on the cusp of the third day, when His Son will show Himself alive to the whole world again!

Romans 10:9 – 

“…If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thy heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

Bobservations' Column: Audio Version

Sunday Morning's Audio Message:

Joel 1:16 - 2:13 - "The Day of the Lord"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

"The Day of the Lord" is the theme of the book of Joel, and it permeates every part of Joel's message.  The phrase is not a reference to a chronological time period, but to a period of wrath and judgment belonging to God alone. "The Day of the Lord" doesn't always refer to just a near historical event, but also to the future last days fulfillment of prophecy.  

With seismic disturbances, violent weather, thick darkness, cosmic upheaval and a "great and very terrible" day that would "come as destruction from the Almghty," This is the Day in which God reveals His attributes of wrath, power, and holiness, and it is a terrifying day to His enemies.

In the first chapter, "the Day of the Lord" is experienced historically by the plague of locusts upon the land. He uses the metaphor of the locust plague and drought as a backdrop from which to launch an intensified call to repent in view of the coming invasion of Judah and "the Day of the Lord," present and future. There is a transition in the second chapter, the prophet is looking to the Great Tribulation Period, the coming invasion of the Assyrian army is a foretaste of it. 

History is headed toward what the Bible calls "the Day of the Lord." This is the term used in Scripture to define the final judgment. It is called "the Day of the Lord" because it is the end of man’s day.

We are living in man’s day. Obviously, while we are under the power of Satan and his demons, we still operate with a measure of freedom in this world to create our own environment. This is man’s day, man is in charge. Man is in charge essentially at every level. This is the kingdom of man within the kingdom of darkness, which is under the ruler Satan. This is man’s day. You can look at history and see what man has made of it.

But what is coming is the Lord’s Day. It will be a day of cataclysmic judgment. That judgment will fall on those who have not repented of their sins and embraced Jesus as Lord and Savior. What you do with Jesus Christ is the determiner of your eternal destiny.

It’s important to notice that while Joel is calling the nations and Israel to repentance, he’s not simply encouraging them to repent with lofty religious words; he’s calling them to repent by changing their actions. Notice what the Lord says through the prophet Joel:

“...turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil." — Joel 2:12-13

What a beautiful picture of how genuine heart change (repentance), from the inside out, leads to God being eager to demonstrate His love and mercy despite the obvious reality that none deserve it. Now that’s good news! This will lead us to the last part of Joel as he elaborates on what a future hope can look like for those who repent, turn to the Lord, and fully embrace His ways.

Sunday Morning's Audio Message: 

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Destruction from the Almighty (1:15) - The Day of the Lord is at hand; unless sinners repent, dire consequences await them.  The Hebrew term for destruction forms a powerful description of violent devastation and ruin. From the "Almighty," describes the invincible strength of God.  This event is not a freak of nature, but rather the purposeful, punishment of their Creator.

To Thee Will I Cry (1:19) - Joel is the first to call the nation to repentance, and to heed the warning.  In order to motivate the people to respond to his warnings, Joel led by example.  In the midst of proclaiming judgment, God's prophets often led in intercessory prayer for mercy and forgiveness (see Exodus 32:11-14; Jeremiah 42:1-4; Daniel 9:1-19; Amos 7:1-6).  

Fire Hath Devoured (1:19) - This statement depicts a scene more awesome than even a plague of locusts could produce.  All the trees of the field and all the pastures of the wilderness are scorched with devastating fires.  Joel's vision at this point carries him forward to the ultimate day of the Lord, the future tribulation period, when there will be a worldwide 3 1/2-year drought, with no rains and no winds (revelation 7:1; 11:3, 6).  The drought will cause global famines (Revelation 6:5-6), and then "hail and fire mingled with blood...and the third part of trees and all green grass is burned. (Revelation 8:7).

Dried Up (1:20) - Eventually in this time of great judgment, all the rivers "are dried up," even "the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up" (Revelation 16:12).  Undoubtedly lake will also dry up and even the sea level will drop (Revelation 16:8).

Blow Ye the Trumpet (2:1) - In the ancient world, horns were used to gather people for special occasions or to warn of danger (Exodus 19:13, 16, 19; 20:18; Numbers 10:1-10; Isaiah 27:13; Amos 3:6; Zephaniah 1:14-16; Zechariah 9:14; 1 Thessalonians 4:16).  This term refers to a ram's horn.

Zion (2:1) - Zion refers to either earthly Jerusalem (Isaiah 10:12), or the heavenly abode of God (Hebrews 12:22). All seven reverences in Joel refer to Jerusalem. 

Darkness and Gloominess...Clouds of Thick Darkness (2:2) - These features describe the blackness of a locust invasion, so thick that it blots out the sun with its deadly, living cloud of insects.

The Like (2:2) - The description of the invading host in this chapter goes well beyond even a legitimate metaphorical description of an invading swarm of locusts, as terrible as that can be.  Such locust plagues have occurred many times in the Middle East and elsewhere.  They might well serve as a type of the great armies that will invade Israel in the las days. 

Garden of Eden (2:3) - This is an incidental confirmation that Joel and the people of his time still believed in the historical truth of the Garden of Eden.

Appearance Like Horses (2:4-9) - The resemblance of the locust's head to that of a horse is striking, so much so that the prophet reiterates the word appearance.  Horses were not used for agricultural purposes in ancient times but were the most feared kind of military equipment (Exodus 15:1, 19; Deuteronomy 20:1; Joshua 11:4).  The simile continues with "like chariots" (v. 5); "like a strong people" (v. 5); "like mighty men" (v. 7); "like men of war" (v. 7); "like a thief" (v. 9).  

Earthquakes...Sun and Moon Grow Dark (2:10) - The ground trembles as dust flies along with the growing devastation.  Earthquakes and cosmic disruptions are well attested elsewhere as signs accompanying divine appearances (Judges 5:4; Psalm 18:7; Jeremiah 4:23-26; Nahum 1:5, 6; Matthew 24:7).  So devastating are the locusts that they are associated with the coming period of judgment in the last days (Revelation 6:12).

His Army (2:11) - The Lord's army is a different army than the one described in the previous verses.  This is the army of saints accompanying Christ and His holy angels when He returns to earth to destroy the ungodly hosts of the beast and the dragon (Revelation 19:11-21).

Rend Your Heart, Not Your Garments (2:13) - The word for “rend” in the original Hebrew means “to split, tear to pieces, rip, bust, separate abruptly or with violence.” To rend one’s garment was an ancient custom that signaled intense grief, repentance, or holy zeal. In Joel’s day, the nation of Judah was guilty of putting on false displays of repentance. The people performed rituals of tearing their clothing without experiencing true, heart-crushing remorse for their sin, which would lead to a change in behavior and genuine devotion to God. Only a complete rending of the heart would turn the nation back to receive the compassionate, gracious, merciful, and steadfast love of the Lord. Rending our hearts in repentance means wholehearted surrender to God.

Morning Message: It's Happening Again

Bobservations' Column
Titled - "It's Happening Again"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

Our nation has much in common with the nation of Israel. As we listen to the media, we realize that we are being “invaded” by foreigners, sort of. The Watchmen that we elected have abandoned their sworn duty to protect our borders and have actually invited the invaders to come!

It was 1948 when Jews were resettling their newly independent State of Israel, and Kubutzes sprang up, developing agriculture and other businesses. A land of virtual wilderness with an arid climate, the fledgling government invited Arabs to come in order to build their farms into a self-sustaining agricultural program for the Jewish nation. The Jews came; the Arabs came; and all needed to be fed.

Now, both Israel and our own country are realizing our mistake and paying the price. This is an oversimplification of the problems both our countries face, but the similarities are clear. There is that old saying that reminds us about not learning from past mistakes and being doomed to repeat them.

But we are not alone, it has happened repeatedly around the globe. As we embark on a study of the Prophet Joel, we find Israel going through this same trial about 800 B.C. Joel analogizes the invaders to be insects, eating up one grain after another. Like the plagues of Egypt, each one follows the pattern. They destroy what they want, and leave the populace in ruin, hungry and starving all across the countryside.

While the Watchmen were looking for distant invaders, they completely missed the marauders nearby that would bring ruin from within their borders. Seeing no one coming from outside, the Watchmen lived high-on-the-hog, enjoying the wine and the oil. But the Word of the Lord declared that they were on the brink of disaster. There will be a high price to pay for the Watchmen abdicating their duties and not sounding the alarm loud and clear!

In the days of Jeremiah, the false prophets of Jerusalem kept saying, “All is well, we have the Temple. Everything will be OK.” This they did even as the Babylonian Army was at their door to take the people away into captivity for 70 years! OH! For faithful Prophets and watching Watchmen!

Jeremiah 6:17 - “Also I set watchmen over you, saying, ‘Hearken to the sound of the trumpet.’ But they would not listen.”

Bobservations' Column: Audio Version

Sunday Morning's Audio Message

Joel 1:1-15 - "It's Happening Again

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

The Book of Joel was likely written between 835 and 800 B.C. The author identified himself only as "Joel the Son of Pethuel" (1:1). The prophet provides little else about his identity.

Tyre, Sidon and Philistia had made frequent military incursions into Israel (3:2). Judah, the setting for the book, is devastated by an extended drought and massive invasion of locusts that had stripped every green thing from the land bringing severe economic devastation (1:7-20), leaving the southern kingdom weak. Joel uses these happenings as the catalyst to send words of warning to Judah. Unless the people repent quickly and completely, enemy armies will devour the land as did the natural elements. Joel appeals to all the people and the priests of the land to fast and humble themselves as they seek God’s forgiveness. If they will respond, there will be renewed material and spiritual blessings for the nation. But the Day of the Lord is coming.

Joel symbolically describes the locusts as a marching human army and views all of this as divine judgment coming against the nation for her sins. As the locusts were a judgment on sin, God's future judgments during the Day of the Lord will far exceed them. At this time the dreaded locusts will seem as gnats in comparison, as all nations receive His judgment. In that day, God will judge His enemies and bless the faithful.

The overriding theme of the Book of Joel is the Day of the Lord, a day of God’s wrath and judgment. It's importance to the canon of Scripture stems from its being the first to develop this oft-mentioned biblical theme. While Obadiah mentioned the terrifying event first (Obadiah 15), Joel’s book gives some of the most striking and specific details in all of Scripture about the day of the Lord—days cloaked in darkness, armies that conquer like consuming fire, and the moon turning to blood. Rooted in such vibrant and physical imagery, this time of ultimate judgment, still future for us today (2 Thessalonians 2:2; 2 Peter 3:10), makes clear the seriousness of God’s judgment on sin.

This is the Day in which God reveals His attributes of wrath, power, and holiness, and it is a terrifying day to His enemies. In the first chapter, the Day of the Lord is experienced historically by the plague of locusts upon the land. Chapter 2:1-17 is a transitional chapter in which Joel uses the metaphor of the locust plague and drought to renew a call to repentance. Chapters 2:18-3:21 describes the Day of the Lord in eschatological terms and answers the call to repentance with prophecies of physical restoration (2:21-27), spiritual restoration (2:28-32), and national restoration (3:1-21).

In Joel chapter 1, The prophet Joel delivers a message about a horrific locust infestation that has descended upon Judah, stripping the land bare and causing widespread famine. He describes the complete destruction of crops and vineyards, leaving the people with nothing to harvest or offer as sacrifices.

The chapter progresses into a call for mourning and lament, urging the priests, farmers, and drunkards alike to acknowledge the severity of the situation and plead for God’s mercy.  Joel concludes by calling for a solemn assembly and a time of fasting to appease God’s wrath.

Sunday Morning's Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

The Word of the LORD (1:1) - The prophets use this introductory phrase to indicate that the message is divinely commissioned.  (See Hosea 1:1; Micah 1:1; Zephaniah 1:1)

Joel (1:1) - His name means "The LORD is God."

Pethuel (1:1) - This is the name of Joel's father.  His name means "openheartedness of/toward God."  It is the only occurrence of this name in the Bible. 

Hear... Give Ear (1:2) - The gravity of the situation demands the undivided attention of the readers senses, emphasizing the need to make a conscious, purposeful decision in the matter.  The terminology was commonly used in "lawsuit" passages Isaiah 1:2; Hosea 4:1).  

Old Men (Elders)...All Ye Inhabitants (1:2) - Old men revers to the civil and religious leaders, who, in light of their position, were exhorted to lead by example the entire population (inhabitants) toward repentance. 

Tell Ye Your Children (1:3) - The importance of reciting the Lord's mighty acts to subsequent generations is heavily underscored by the threefold injunction.  (See also Exodus 10:1-6; Deuteronomy 4:9; 6:6, 7; 11:19; 32:7; Psalm 78:5-7; 145:4-7; Proverbs 4:1). 

Palmerworm (1:4) - from the Hebrew word "gazam." Literally means to gnaw off.

The Locust (1:4) - from the Hebrew word "arbeh." Literally means to be many; migratory. The four kinds of locusts refer to their different species or their stages of development (2:25), where the writer mentions them in different order. The total destruction caused by their voracious appetites demands repentance to avoid future, repeat occurrences (Deuteronomy 28:38; Isaiah 33:4; Amos 7:1). Locusts are compared to an invading army.

Cankerworm (1:4) - from the Hebrew word "yeleq." Literally means to lick off.

Caterpillar (1:4) - from the Hebrew word "chasil." Literally means to devour; consume.

Drunkards (1:5) - Drunkenness is the national sin that prophets condemn (especially Isaiah, Hosea, and Amos). The drunkards delighted in the abundance of the vine, and are addressed because the locusts had destroyed the vine that produces the grapes from which the wine is made.  

The Lord calls ten times upon different segments of the population to mourn and repent:

• Drunkards - are to mourn like a young bride for a departed husband (v. 8).  
• Farmers - vs. 11 - are to be ashamed.  They are a public disgrace, a physical state to which the guilty party has been forcibly brought.
• Vinedressers - vs. 12
• Priests - The priests are to mourn because no longer will there be meal and wine for the offerings (v. 9 & 13).
• Ministers of the Altar (v. 13) called to mourn and to lie all night in sackcloth.

My Land (1:6) - The Lord reminds them that the land is His.  He is the owner (Leviticus 25:23; Numbers 36:2; Ezekiel 38:16).

My Vine...My Fig Tree (1:6, 7) - The Lord again claims ownership. The vine and the fig tree are symbols for prosperity and peace (1 Kings 4:25; Micah 4:4; Zechariah 3:10), yet they had become visual reminders of divine judgment.  

A Nation (1:6) - A literal invasion of locusts pictured the kind of destruction and judgment inflicted by human armies

Teeth of a Lion (1:6) - They are described as hostile, countless in numbers, and able to devour anything in their path.  

Meat Offering...Drink Offering (1:9) - Sacrificial offerings each morning and evening have been cut off (Exodus 29:38-42; Leviticus 23:13).  

All the Trees... Are Withered (1:12) - Even the deep roots of the trees could not withstand the torturous treatment administered by the locusts, especially when accompanied by an extended drought (v. 20). 

Joy Has Withered (1:12) - Human joy and delight had departed from ALL segments of society; none had escaped the devastation.  The joy that the harvest brings had been replaced by despair, and mourning.

Sanctify a Fast (1:13) - The prophet calls the priests to take action, first by example and then by proclamation (vs. 14). 

Cry Unto the Lord (1:13) -The plague had been sent by God as a warning of a much more severe judgment yet to come, and was used by Joel as an incentive to repent, both then and now.

Day of the LORD is at Hand (1:15) - A warning of a coming time of judgment.  The Lord pronounces severe judgment, after a long time of patient forbearance.  This will be followed by cleansing and blessing.  Such prophecies often refer to a current situation, such as the plague of locusts, then leap over the centuries to future end time judgments. Unless sinners repent, dire consequences await them.  

Destruction From the Almighty (1:15) - The Hebrew term destruction forms a powerful play on words with the "Almighty."  The notion of invincible strength is foremost; destruction at the hand of omnipotent God is coming.  Their calamity was not from some freak turn of nature, but rather from the purposeful, punishment of their Creator. 

Morning Message: Beloved Gaius

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "Beloved Gaius"

Written by:  Pastor Bob Lawrenz

Today we study a most personal letter from John to a fellow believer. It reminds me of the Apostle Paul’s letter to Philemon, regarding Onesimus; full of love, and hope for personal and spiritual growth for both of them.

There are many common names in the Bible. If we include Moses’ sister Miriam in the count, there are six “Mary’s” in the Bible, five of them in the New Testament. In 3rd John, we have his personal letter to Gaius. We are faced with multiple men named Gaius in the New Testament, possibly four of them.

In Acts 19, a man named Gaius is from Macedonia, one of Paul’s travel companions. In Acts 20, we find another Gaius from Derbe. This one accompanied Paul from Corinth to Jerusalem for Pual’s final trip to the Holy City. There was also a Gaius of Corinth mentioned in Romans 16, and 1 Corinthians 1 who had been a host to Paul at one time or another. Finally, the Gaius mentioned here in 3rd John is a fourth Gaius, but based on the letter’s greeting, this Gaius is a "wellbeloved" and well known to John. John’s friend Gaius could also be one of the three that knew Paul, but there is direct evidence of that.

John’s well-beloved Gaius received this personal letter that was deemed important enough to be included in the Cannon of the Bible. The theme is the walk of believers, and to a lesser degree the need for Christians to be discerning about whom they spend time with, even within the Church.

God is love, and He loves all His children. The Living Word Himself teaches that the children are to love one another, and even prefer each other’s company, but also be open towards non-believers (Romans 12:9-11). The New Testament reiterates God’s Command to "love one another" 69 times in 19 individual verses, among which in 13 of them, it occurs as exactly above in the quotes.

"These things I command you, that you love one another." - John 15:17

Bobservations' Column: Audio Version

Sunday Morning's Audio Message:

3 John 1-14 - "Beloved Gaius"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

This week we are studying the John's third epistle.  It is the third in a series of 3 epistles that bear the Apostle John’s name. Of Course, the author is the Apostle John. He describes himself in v. 1 as "The Elder" which conveys the advanced age of the apostle, his authority and his eyewitness status especially during the foundational period of Christianity when John was involved with Jesus’ ministry (2 John 1). 

Third John is perhaps the most personal of John’s 3 epistles. While 1 John appears to be a general letter addressed to congregations scattered throughout Asia Minor, and 2 John was sent to a lady and her family (2 John 1), in 3 John the apostle clearly names the sole recipient as "the wellbeloved Gaius" (v. 1). This makes the epistle one of a few letters in the NT addressed strictly to an individual (Philemon). The name "Gaius" was very common in the first century (e.g., Acts 19:29; 20:4; Rom. 16:23; 1 Cor. 1:14), but nothing is known of this individual beyond John’s salutation, from which it is inferred that he was a member of one of the churches under John’s spiritual oversight.

As with 2 John, 3 John focuses on the basic issue of hospitality but from a different perspective. While 2 John warns against showing hospitality to false teachers (2 John 7–11), 3 John condemns the lack of hospitality shown to faithful ministers of the Word (vv. 9,10). Reports came back to the apostle that itinerant teachers known and approved by him (vv. 5–8) had traveled to a certain congregation where they were refused hospitality (e.g., lodging and provision) by an individual named Diotrephes who domineered the assembly (v. 10). Diotrephes went even further; he also verbally slandered the Apostle John with malicious accusations and excluded anyone from the assembly who dared challenge him (v. 10).

In contrast, Gaius, a beloved friend of the apostle and faithful adherent to the truth (vv. 1–4), extended the correct standard of Christian hospitality to itinerant ministers. John wrote to commend the type of hospitality exhibited by Gaius to worthy representatives of the gospel (vv. 6–8) and to condemn the high-handed actions of Diotrephes (v. 10). The apostle promised to correct the situation personally and sent this letter through an individual named Demetrius, whom he commended for his good testimony among the brethren (vv. 10–12).

Some think that Diotrephes may either have been a heretical teacher or at least favored the false teachers who were condemned by 2 John. However, the epistle gives no clear evidence to warrant such a conclusion, especially since one might expect that John would have mentioned Diotrephes’ heretical views. The epistle indicates that his problems centered around arrogance and disobedience, which is a problem for the orthodox as well as the heretic.

Sunday Morning Audio Message: 

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

The Elder (v. 1) - John uses the same term for himself as he did in 2 John 1.  The term probably has reference to his age, his apostolic eyewitness of Jesus' life, and also that he had an official position of authority in the church.  

Wellbeloved (v. 1) - Gaius is called "beloved" by John no less than four times in this short epistle.  He had evidently been won to Christ by John (v. 4), and John had frequently received good reports from traveling Bible teachers and others concerning his spiritual growth and godly life (v. 3).  The term beloved is only used of Christians in the NT (see Colossians 3:12; Philemon 1,2; 2 Peter 3:14; 1 John 4:1).

Whom I Love in the Truth (v. 1) - Because Christians have common knowledge of the truth, they have the common source of love (2 John 1).  While some have taken the phrase to mean simply "truly" or "really" (Mark 12:32; John 1:47), John's usage of this phrase elsewhere in these letters, where truth takes on such a significant meaning, suggests that the elder intended the kind of love that is consistent with the fundamental truths of the faith (v. 4; 1 John 2:21; 3:19).

Wish (pray) (v. 2) - A better interpretation would be "I pray."  John's prayer for Gaius is significant.  Gaius's spiritual state was so excellent that John prayed that his physical health would match his spiritual vigor.  Asking about one's health was customary in ancient times, as it is today.  John adapted this custom to use in a unique manner, highlighting Gaius's vibrant spiritual state.

Walkest in Truth (v. 3) - Gaius's reputation for practicing what he preached was exemplary (2 John 4).  John's commendation of him is one of the greatest given in the NT, since the commendation centers not only on the fact that he knew the truth, but that he faithfully practiced it.  Gaius's actions were in stark contrast to Diotrephes' negative reputation (v. 10).  Believers should ""know the truth" (John 8:32), "believe and know the truth" (1 Timothy 4:3), obey the truth (1 Peter 1:22), speak the truth (Ephesians 4:15), do the truth (John 3:21), and, like Gaius, "walk in truth" (v. 4).

My Children (v. 4) - The world my is emphatic in the original.  John's heart delighted in the proper conduct of his spiritual children in the faith.  Those who walk (conduct) in the truth (belief) have integrity; there is no dichotomy between what one professes and how one lives.  John had strong fatherly affection for them (1 Corinthians 4:14-16; 1 Thessalonians 2:11; 3:1-10).

Thou Doest Faithfully (v. 5) - Faith that is genuine always produces genuine good works (James 2:14-17).

Brethren, and to Strangers (v. 5) - Gaius practiced hospitality not only toward those whom he knew, but also to those whom he did not know.  The reference concerns, especially, itinerant gospel preachers whom Gaius aided on their journeys.

After a Godly Sort (v. 6) - or, "in a manner worthy of God." The phrase has the connotation of treating people as God would treat them (see Matthe 10:40) and becomes the key manner in which hospitality should be practiced (Matthew 25:40-45).

Receive Such (v. 8) - John give several grounds for practicing hospitality in a "manner worthy of God."  First, we should receive those dedicated servants of the Lord, those who have pure motives.  Itinerant missionaries went out "for his name's sake"" (v. 7; Romans 1:5). Such are doing the work of the ministry for God's glory, not their own, or for money.  John had instructed them to withhold hospitality from false teachers, but to extend hospitality to genuine teachers.    The word "receive" conveys the thought of "underwriting" or supporting them physically and financially. 

Church (v. 9) -John apparently had written a previous letter to the church, but it was lost, or intercepted by Diotrephes who refused to honor John's request to help and hear the itinerant teachers, even going so far as to excommunicate those who disagreed with him (v. 10).

Diotrephes...loveth to have the preeminence (v. 9) - The preeminence has the idea of "desiring to be first."  It conveys the idea of someone who is selfish, self-centered, and self-seeking.  The language suggests a self-promoting demagogue, who served no one, but wanted all to serve only him.  Diotrephes's actions directly contradict Jesus' and the NT"s teaching on servant-leadership in the church (Matthew 20:20-28; Philippians 2:5-11; 1 Timothy 3:3; 1 Peter 5:3).  

Receiveth Us Not (v. 9) - Diotrephes had a bad reputation.  He modeled the opposite of kindness and hospitality to God's servants, even denying John's apostolic authority over the local congregation and, as a result, denying the revelation of God that came through that authority.  His pride endeavored to supplant the rule of Christ through John in the church.  His character was the polar opposite of Gaius, a godly man, loving and hospitable. 

If I Come...Call to Mind His Deeds (v. 10) - Diotrephes would have to answer for his ungodly behavior, his usurping of Christ's place in the church.

Follow Not That which is Evil, But That Which is Good (v. 11) - Demetrius was commended in verse 12.  Gaius was to imitate Demetrius as the correct role model for his actions.  

Doeth Good (v. 11) - The test of a true believer. This verse affirms, that those who do good are of God.  Those who are of God obey His Word, His commands.  Those who possess God's love walk in truth, and obedience, in practice and deed. 

Demetrius (v. 12) - Demetrius mentioned here was well-known to John, who was now at Ephesus, and was probably being entrusted with carrying this letter from Ephesus to Gaius and the church where Gaius served.  

Morning Message: Warn Them!

Bobservations' Column
Titled - "Warn Them!"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

Our reading today introduces us to a man named Simon, a sorcerer who had bewitched many in Samaria with his “special knowledge” and insights into the mind of God. Simon’s special teachings were not because he was unfamiliar with the teachings of the Prophets, but his success was because they were so closely aligned with them! Because of his long history of teaching in Samaria, they held Simon is high regard, believing his words. When Philip the Apostle came into Samaria spreading the Gospel, many were saved, and then Peter and John went also to check on those which were saved through Philip’s ministry (see Galatians 2:7-9 – Peter and John, along with James, were considered to be the pillars of the church in Jerusalem.).

Except to reveal Himself to a Samaritan woman at a well, even Jesus is not reported to have ventured into Samaria. The Jews avoided Samaria as a general rule because of false doctrines that were prevalent there. But when Peter and John went there, Simon the Sorcerer offered them money in order to receive the power of the Holy Ghost. He had witnessed the Apostles’ laying-on of hands, and people receiving the Holy Ghost, and Simon thought he could buy this power. Peter and John would have none of this man and refused his money.

Because of Simon being steeped in sorcery, the two Apostles saw him as a source of false doctrines coming into the church. And it is because of these verses in Acts that many consider this Simon to be none other than Simon Magus (Simon Magnus) the oldest known Gnostic Heretic from the 1st Century.

In Galatians 1:6-9 we learn how to test the teachings of others. It is a test to the authenticity of any “new” doctrine. If it is not already in the Bible, believers are to be suspicious of it, and search the scriptures like a Berean (Acts 17:10-11).

The Apostles were faithful to spread the Gospel in Jerusalem, to all Judea, and in Samaria, and "unto the uttermost part of the Earth," as directed by Jesus in Acts, immediately prior to His ascension into heaven (Acts 1:8-9).

The Holy Ghost inspired Paul and Peter to write, that every believer should test every teaching they hear in 2 Timothy 3:16, and 2 Peter 1:17-21. John writes this under the inspiration of God:

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." - 1 John 4:1 

Bobservations Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning's Audio Message:

2 John 1-13 - "Warn Them!"

Summary/Additional Commentary and Definitions:

This week we are in the second epistle of John, sort of a continuation of the overall theme of 1 John, a "recall to the fundamentals of the faith," adherence to the truth (v. 4), love (v. 5), and obedience (v. 6).

John continues to remind believers of the fundamental truths of Christianity, while warning them of the dangers of deception.  In his second epistle, John is writing to a lady and her children, someone he seems to be very familiar with.  He is giving her the biblical guidelines of the gracious hospitality that Christians are commanded to (Romans 12:13).

Remember, John is still warning these believers of the false prophets and teachers threatening the church.  Their false doctrine was the beginnings of Gnostic thought and had been making its way into the ears of naive Christians, gaining influence over them, and destroying the foundation of the Church.  False teachers seek to make converts who will follow after them, and they will take advantage Christian hospitality in order to advance their cause. The apostle warns his readers against showing hospitality to such deceivers.  True believers must walk in truth, and love within the limits that truth allows.  Love must be discerning.

It is extremely important that we check everything we see, hear, and read that claims to be “Christian” with the Scriptures. This cannot be too strongly emphasized because one of Satan’s greatest weapons is deceit. It is very easy to be taken in by a new and exciting doctrine that appears to be based on Scripture but which, if examined closely, is in fact a departure from the Word of God. If what appears to be happening does not line up explicitly with Scripture, then this is false and not of the Spirit, and we should have nothing to do with it.

Sunday Morning Audio Message: 

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

The Elder (v. 1) - John uses this title to emphasize his advance age, his spiritual authority over the congregations in Asia Minor, and the strength of his own personal eyewitness testimony to the life of Jesus and all that He taught. The vocabulary, tone, and content of this short epistle clearly prove that it was written by the same author as John's gospel and his first epistle. 

Elect Lady and Her Children (v. 1) - Modern writers believe that John was writing to a particular woman leader of one of the churches, it is not.  John was writing to a particular woman and her children (offspring) who were well known to John.  

For the Truth's Sake (v. 2) - The basis of Christian hospitality is the truth (v. 1-3).  John repeats the term for truth five times in the opening four verses.  Truth refers to the basics of fundamentals of the faith that John has discussed in 1 John as well as the truths expressed in 2 John.  Truth is the necessary condition of unity and, as a result, the basis of hospitality.  One of the great themes in all of John's writings is truth. It is the cognitive truth of God's Word. (Colossians 3:16).

Walking in Truth (v. 4) - This is one of only three references in Scripture to "walking in truth," but should always characterize our daily "walk."  Here, the behavior of hospitality involves obedience to the truth (v. 5, 6).  The word Walking has reference to continual walking in the truth, or making obedience to the truth a habit in one's life.

New Commandment - (v. 5) - John ties the commandment of truth to the commandment of love (1 John 2:7-11; 4:7-12).  

This is Love...Walk According to His Commandments (v. 6) - John defines love, not as a sentiment or an emotion, but as obedience to God's commands.  Those who are obedient to the truth as contained in God's commandments, the fundamentals of the faith (1 John 2:3-11), are identified as walking in love. (John 14:15, 21; 15:10).

Many Deceivers (v. 7) - (Mark 13:22, 23; 1 Timothy 4:1-4; 2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 4:1).  In verses 7-11, John gives limits for Christian hospitality.  This is the centerpiece of John's thought in this epistle and expands the basis of hospitality and the behavior of Chistian hospitality.  Since Satan comes as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:13-15), believers must be on guard against error by having an intimate acquaintance with the truth.  The habitual denial of the undiminished deity and humanity of Christ is the distinguishing mark of an unbeliever, and a deceiver and an antichrist. Such a denial is the doctrine of Satan.

Entered (v. 7) - This means, Literally, "gone forth" into the world, evidently from the domain of Satan, seeking to undermine and destroy any true church. 

Lose Not Those Things (v. 8) - A loss of reward may occur to any believer who does not discriminate fellowship on the basis of adherence to the truth.  This seems to be a really strong warning.  We should not be going along to get along.  We should never aid those promoting false teaching.  

Transgresseth (v. 9) - This means "goes beyond," trying to put esoteric meanings of a pseudo-spiritual nature on the plain teachings of Christ and His Word.

Doctrine (v. 9) - The "doctrine" of Christ (which word actually is "teachings" in the Greek) must include ALL the teachings of Christ, everything that He said and did, covering ALL the Scripture and ALL His purposes.

Receive Him Not Into Your House (v. 10) - John's prohibition is not a case of entertaining people who disagree on minor matters.  These are FALSE TEACHERS who are intent on destroying the basic, fundamental truths of Christianity.  Complete disassociation from such heretics is the only appropriate course of action for genuine believers.  No benefit or aid of any type (not even a greeting) is permissible.  Believers should aid only those who proclaim the truth (v. 5-8).  

Your House (v. 10) - The "house" is the church, probably still meeting in houses.  No false teacher is to be allowed to teach in the church... or your home.

Partaker of His Evil Deeds (v. 11) - Hospitality to such leaders aids in the spread of their heresy and inevitably leave the impression of sanctioning the teachings of these antichrists (1 John 2:22).  Supreme loyalty to God and His Word alone must characterize the actions of EVERY TRUE BELIEVER.