1 John 5 It often amazes me how often I miss seeing something right in front of me. Even though hours before I had placed the object I seek right where I am looking, I just don't see it. How does that happen? It frustrates me to no end. My mind starts playing the blame game; "I'm getting so old and forgetful" or "someone must have moved it" or worse, " I can't do anythi...

1 John 4 We've seen by now how John is cycling through several themes in this epistle. Like a jeweler showing off a prized gemstone, each time John picks up a theme he has already addressed, he "rotates" it a little -- displaying it from a slightly different point of view -- and calls on us to take a fresh look at the new angles displayed. If we were to list the themes...

1 John 3 1 John 3 is written to help the believer see their place as a child of God. John is trying to articulate the new relationship that a believer has in the Father as compared to the relationships we have in this world. He starts the chapter right straightaway by highlighting the greatness of the love of our Father. Verse 2 is always compelling to me because it rem...

1 John 2 This chapter begins with a medley of some of the most incredible truths of Scripture. First, that God knows that we are sinners (we don't have to hide it from Him). Secondly, that when we (inevitably) sin, God is not only the Righteous Judge (who makes things right) and not only the Suffering Savior (who takes the judgment of the Father), but also our Advocate ...

1 John 1 WHY DID HE WRITE 1 John? One of the great things about the writings of John is that he always tells you exactly why he's writing. He doesn't leave you guessing. He wants you to know why his writings exist. The Gospel of John was written so that people would believe. John 20 30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not ...

Titus 2 In Titus we see the inseparable link between faith and practice. The behaviors listed below are in conformity to what is required of leaders and in direct contrast to the behavior of the false teachers mentioned in Titus. Right doctrine leads to right behavior. The root of this behavior is the gospel and we are to teach it with authority. Men Sober Minded D...

Titus 1 Before I started attending Hutto Bible Church, I had no idea what a church elder is or what their responsibilities are. When I was younger and heard the term "elder", images of old, wise-looking indigenous men from National Geographic magazines came to mind. My understanding of a tribal elder was a man that was probably a fierce warrior when he was younger, an e...

Titus 1 Before I started attending Hutto Bible Church, I had no idea what a church elder is or what their responsibilities are. When I was younger and heard the term "elder", images of old, wise-looking indigenous men from National Geographic magazines came to mind. My understanding of a tribal elder was a man that was probably a fierce warrior when he was younger, an e...

1 Timohty 4 What is the attraction of junk food? We know it is named accurately - junk. We know it is going to make us feel bad after eating it. We know that it is going to have a poor impact on our health. We know it has little to no nutritional value. So what is it that gives us the desire to eat it? o It is cheapo It tastes goodo It doesn't take up much of our timeo...

2 Timothy 3 Have you ever noticed that there are certain Bible verses which people tend to like to put on their walls or refrigerator? Usually they pick inspiring verses about God's love for us, and His grace He pours on us. Others pick verses about God's plans to prosper us. Today we're looking at some verses, which fall more on the other end of the spectrum. While Go...