Cherishing Truth and Spreading Love

What if love and truth were the only commandments you ever needed? Join me, Christie, as we unlock the profound lessons hidden within the Second Epistle of John, where these timeless principles are brought to life with John's unique use of symbolism. This episode promises to illuminate how believers are encouraged to anchor their lives in these teachings, fortifying their faith against false doctrines that persist even in our modern world. We'll explore how John's heartfelt message to the 'lady chosen by God' and her children is a call to live a life steeped in love, while remaining vigilant against those who spread misleading teachings.

Embark on this journey with us as we dissect John's plea for spiritual vigilance and commitment to God's eternal word. Discover how embracing the truth can fill us with the Holy Spirit, empowering us to spread the gospel with fervor. We take a closer look at the promises of grace, mercy, and peace that await those who cherish the truth, offering insights into how to safeguard one's faith while sharing the message of love. Let this episode serve as a thought-provoking guide to understanding how the essence of John's epistle transcends time, urging us to uphold love as the guiding principle for our connection with God's eternal word.

Thank you for joining us in this episode of In the Field Audio Bible, where we explore the richness of God’s Word, chapter by chapter. We hope today’s reading brought insight, comfort, or inspiration to your journey of faith.

Transcript

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Welcome to the reading of the Second Epistle of John with In the Field Audio Bible.

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My name is Christie, your host for this episode.

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John's use of symbolism in this epistle continues to build a bond between Jesus and his people.

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There is no introduction of new commandments or statutes, but the reiteration of something old, which in this case was the instruction of Jesus.

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John's writing of this personal note calls on a lady, which could be a church or a woman.

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He commenced the lady for walking in the truth, also reminding her not to support false teachings.

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These false teachers are nothing new to you and me To this day.

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We must be mindful of individuals with good intentions and those who are not.

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Therefore, John preserves the truth in his writing that God's people must love His truth first, and in doing so we will be filled with the Holy Spirit so we may proclaim the good news, the gospel, to others.

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The moral of the Second Epistle of John stems from one word love.

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Epistle of John stems from one word love.

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With this love, the faithful will receive the full word promised by God for one's loyal service.

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Salvation will be given, but one must still be mindful of not supporting those who go against Christ.

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Instead, believers are responsible for guarding and upholding God's eternal word before others.

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I hope you enjoy this reading of the Second Epistle of John, Chapter 1.

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I, the elder, am writing this letter.

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I am sending it to the lady chosen by God and to her children.

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I love all of you because of the truth.

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I'm not the only one who loves you.

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So does everyone who knows the truth.

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I love you because of the truth that is alive in us.

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This truth will be with us forever.

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God, the Father, and Jesus Christ, his Son, will give you grace, mercy and peace.

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These blessings will be with us because we love the truth.

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It has given me great joy to find some of your children living by the truth.

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That's just what the Father commanded us to do.

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Dear Lady, I'm not writing you a new command.

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I'm writing a command we've had from the beginning.

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I'm asking that we love one another.

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The way we show our love is to obey God's commands.

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He commands you to lead a life of love.

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That's what you have heard from the beginning.

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I say this because many people have tried to fool others.

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These people have gone out into the world.

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They don't agree that Jesus Christ came in a human body.

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People like this try to trick others.

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These people are like the great enemy of Christ.

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Watch out that you don't lose what we have worked for.

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Make sure that you get your full reward.

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Suppose someone thinks they know more than we do, so they don't follow Christ's teaching, then that person doesn't belong to God, but whoever follows Christ's teaching belongs to the Father and the Son.

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Suppose someone comes to you and doesn't teach these truths, then don't take them into your house and welcome them.

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Anyone who welcomes them shares in their evil work.

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I have a lot to write to you, but I don't want to use paper and ink.

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I hope I can visit you instead.

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Then I can talk with you face to face.

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That will make our joy complete.

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The children of your sister, who is chosen by God, send their greetings.