A few of you commented on the beginning and end of 1 John are similar, going back to the truth of who Jesus is, for all error is Christological. Our obedience and love flow from truth. Men from every tribe and nation have testified to the reality of Jesus Christ, yet the testimony of God is even greater. How has God testified? Three ways: the Spirit, the water, and the blood. 
I found the first part of Paige’s lecture heavy last week, but needed, for as she said God wants us to get this straight because He loves us. I can tell many of you are still listening and that’s good because I surely don’t want you to miss her amazing ending from last week. Please share your highlights here before she begins a new lecture on Wednesday. I will too.
SUNDAY:
- How did you experience the love of God this week?
MONDAY: Highlights from The Closing
She told a story of Jerram Barrs, a favorite professor at Covenant Seminary. He surely was mine, though I only went for a short time and then Steve was diagnosed with terminal cancer and we had three daughters at home. I never went back but I did so love Jerram Barrs, a gentle man who simple exuded Christ. He was particularly supportive of my daughter Sally who also went there, and her paintings.
2. What assignment did Barrs give his class and why were they lining up? Do you think we could do this assignment on a smaller scale — not a twenty page essay, but endeavoring to get to know an unbeliever in our path well enough that we could see where the gospel might touch his story?
TUESDAY: Finishing Up Paige
3. What other highlights stood out to you?
4. What do you remember about her e-mails with her friends’ friend who were so aghast by her teaching? (I loved this story and how she responded.)
WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY — LISTEN EACH DAY AND SHARE YOUR COMMENTS
SATURDAY:
5. GOD SHOT?
6. TAKE-A-WAY SO FAR?
80 comments
Hi All, my name is Sam, and I’ll use the moniker, Simply Sam. Many years ago, I learned from a study by John MacArthur to read through 1, 2 and 3 John five-times once-a-week every year during my devotion time to get a true picture of who Jesus Christ is that lays the foundation of understanding that all of Scripture reveals God’s Plan to reconcile the world through Jesus Christ.
Welcome, Sam!
Welcome Sam!
My Dad must of learned that from John MacArthur as he did the same thing!
Glad you are joining us!
I’ve enjoyed listening to this on the bible app. Great practice to put God’s word in our heart. Welcome Sam.
Welcome, Sam!
That sounds like a good foundation of understanding.
1. How did you experience the love of God this week?
I had a very peaceful trip to see TLC and stay with my best friend. We raised our kids together long ago and we have remained close. God was with me through it all, with flight delays, weather, and baggage (so far!). One more leg until I make it all the way. I got to spend a couple of hours with my sister too. Thank You Lord!
How nice for you!
It sounds like a great few days, Laura!
Glad that you had a peaceful trip, Laura.
SUNDAY:
1. How did you experience the love of God this week?
I’ve experienced His love in seeing the love for one another on this blog…encouraging and praying for each other through difficult times! Y’all are such a blessing to me. I have been listening to Paige but haven’t been able to share much. I do want to say this last lecture (#3) is a WOW-SER (is that a word?)! The ending was very challenging for me. I encourage you to listen if you haven’t already.
I sooo agree about her ending. Wowser.
Yes! I agree on your whole post!
Amen, Sharon! I so see God’s love on this blog! And I agree about Paige’s ending! Wowser!
I had the opportunity to visit my step-mom last night at the hospital. It was refreshing that she was alert and chatty. She definitely is struggling at times with words and memory which I presume is a result of the stroke. Today labs will be read and decisions made. I so appreciate all the prayers and so does she! We had a conversation about the man she has hired to help her. They met at church years ago and he has lived with her now for several years, maybe 5 now. He is a kind person and has taken great care of her. We always avoid the topic of homosexuality (as her friend lives this lifestyle), and we do not agree. Last night she shared what she believes and it struck me that there are topics in the Bible that she chooses to err on the side of loving people rather than believing God’s word. I didn’t broach the subject but just listened to her. In the end, I told her I wouldn’t argue my point as we both know we don’t agree but we both have Jesus. We parted with love for each other and knowing we won’t convince one another of our view on that. I’m thankful I can love her in Jesus despite our differing views. I used to worry over this, but my pastor once told me that God can forgive our theological errors. We must believe Jesus died to save us and repent of our sins to be saved, but we don’t have to have a right understanding everything to be saved. It does make me sad for her friend, however. He has lost fellowship with the church because of his lifestyle. Praising God for many, many blessings this week and for the community here.
I think you handled that all wisely and your pastor is wise too.
I’m so thankful you were able to spend time with your step-mom, Chris. I pray for our Father to have His hand on her life. I agree, you handled the differences well. Your pastor sounds like a man of wisdom.
Chris, so good that you had a good visit with your stepmom.
I appreciate you sharing the advice your pastor shared and how it helped with your stepmom…it really helps me too.
Continued prayers for the trials you’re going through…may you experience His peace that passeth all understanding.
Thank you all ❤️
Monday
2. What assignment did Barrs give his class and why were they lining up? Do you think we could do this assignment on a smaller scale — not a twenty page essay, but endeavoring to get to know an unbeliever in our path well enough that we could see where the gospel might touch his story?
The assignment was to write what we understand an unbeliever to believe and then how the gospel could reach them. They were lining up because they didn’t know what their unbelieving friends believed. I’ve been thinking about this.
I think that struck a chord with many of us, Chris!
I think I have completed the assignment to the best of my ability with my son-in-law who is away at a facility for alcohol abuse. Though he grew up in the church and went to a Christian school and professed to believe, it is clear that he has no relationship with the Father. There is simply no fruit and no repentance. It is very sad. We recognize a generational pattern of sin handed down from his father. We know there is a significant spiritual element against him. There is a pattern of lies and delusion. I wrote him a letter last week which shared my own testimony and a page from “Knowing God”, by JI Packer. I was hoping it might reach his heart, but when my daughter met with him this week, it was evident there is no change. My heart is broken for them. We pray daily for there to be a softening of his heart.
It is evident that yo have a good understanding of you SIL, and your love and concern for him is clear. I will continue to pray for him.
Chris, this is heartbreaking. I will continue to pray for a miracle for your daughter and son in law.
Your prayers mean so much to me. Truly, the Holy Spirit is the only real answer to move his heart. Praying for that miracle.
I’m beginning a prison zoom study tonight after having the summer off. Would appreciate prayer!
Praying Dee. May God prepare their hearts to receive His love through what He has given you to share.
Amen, to Sharon! I will be praying for your prison Bible study tonight, Dee.
Praying Dee, for hearts to be changed & for you to prepare & tech to work!
Dear Lord, I agree with the above prayers. Cover Dee with Your hand as she speaks and may the Spirit touch hearts.
Just seeing this Dee. I hope it went well!
Thank you all for your prayers. Please keep praying. I’m not sure how it went — we are doing it a bit differently — I’m teaching on zoom and then leaving it to a few facilitators so they can be in smaller groups. I have yet to hear. Thank you so for your prayers.
Got an e-mail from chaplain and she said it was great, however, over half the women left after my teaching and before the discussion. So appreciate prayer for that!
Gracious Father, Thank you that the zoom teaching went well. I pray for all the women who heard Dee, those that stayed for discussion and those who didn’t. I pray that hearts were opened and seeds planted for future growth. Thank you thank you. In Jesus name, amen
Monday
2. What assignment did Barrs give his class and why were they lining up? Do you think we could do this assignment on a smaller scale — not a twenty page essay, but endeavoring to get to know an unbeliever in our path well enough that we could see where the gospel might touch his story?
The assigned essay was to 20, the bulk of which was to explain what their unbelieving friend/family member thought/believed about spiritual/eternal things. Then the student was tell how the truth of the gospel touches that line of thinking. The students were lining up because the did not know what the unbelievers actually thought about those things, so how could they fulfill the assignment?
Tuesday
3. What other highlights stood out to you? That we must be humble and honest, speaking in love. I think we all need a better understanding of what Christian love is and what it looks like. As I’ve said before, I am reading Jonathan Edward’s lectures on Christian love, Charity and Its Fruits. As RC Sproul commented, reading this book has humbled me, too, in a way that I was not expecting. We think we know what love is, but do we really? Many times people have said things that were hurtful, “It’s the truth, but I’m speaking in love,” or “I’m doing this out of love” to rationalize a certain behavior. If we are not listening and trying to understand other people, it is presumptuous to think we really know/love them.
Paige’s comment that what we say is a welcome not a weapon reminded me of Yancy’s book, Fearfully and wonderfully made, and how the doctrine that we believe is the internal skeleton that supports us, not an exoskeleton to keep others away. Paige also said “Only the exclusive content makes it posssible to be inclusive with the invitation.” I believe we should be as welcoming as possible to others with our time and attention. Division in churches, relationships, and families happen all the time. To ignore, mock, or argue with anyone because of a difference in any area is not right.
4. What do you remember about her e-mails with her friends’ friend who were so aghast by her teaching? (I loved this story and how she responded.) The New Yorkers had heard Paige speak (without her being aware they were there), and the emailed her that they were appaled/disturbed by what she was teaching. Their fundamental beliefs were opposie to hers, and they did not think she would want to meet them. She responded by saying she was sorry they did not want to be her friend, because she wanted to be friends. They answered basically saying, if you are sure then let’s meet.
What you say about Jonathan Edwards stands out to me and I will try to read this as well. I agree, we often think we are being loving and sometimes it is necessary to present hard truth which causes pain, but are we truly trying to understand others and get at the root of their problem or need for the gospel.
It is definitely not a quick or easy read. I am only halfway through the book, so much depth.
There is so much in your powerful post, Cheryl. Such important points about how people see Jesus is us. I am so curious about Jonathan Edwards now. I have to admit that his writing has seemed intimidating to me. Thank you for your great thoughts.
Such a thoughtful post, Cheryl. You are reading hard things and being stretched and a good model for us all. Listening means laying down our own desires and that doesn’t come naturally, only supernaturally. I love you quoted Yancy. I love him and still feel there is great truth in his books depsite his fall.
1. How did you experience the love of God this week? I have so enjoyed the loving interchanges on the blog this week. I love have enjoyed some quiet days and the big Nor’easter storm seems to be leaving, without a lot of damage here. I have loved this lecture from Paige and it is very challenging!
2. What assignment did Barrs give his class and why were they lining up? Do you think we could do this assignment on a smaller scale — not a twenty page essay, but endeavoring to get to know an unbeliever in our path well enough that we could see where the gospel might touch his story.
This is such a challenging question! Choose an unbeliever in your life that you think does not know Jesus. Can you explain what they believe about spiritual and eternal things, where the truth of the gospel touches their thinking? They lined up because they were unsure about any answers.
I feel that I am not confronting those I know with the right questions! How do I seek out this conversation…
I love these great points she made:
I need to work on all of these….
Can those I know articulate what I believe?
Do I know and listen enough to an unbeliever, that I can articulate what he believes or does not believe about the Son?
Do we love and do we listen?
We are to consider other people more significant than we consider ourselves.
What they think is significant! Do we have a role to play and God’s testimony to the Son.
We are to steward His testimony on love and humility.
We need to be speaking a welcome not a weapon.
A welcome and not a weapon, yes!
Thank you, Patti, for the summary! I wrote something similar as well.
Love you brought out all those points, Patti. Good listening! 🙂
1. How did you experience the love of God this week? I experienced the love of God through His clear answer to prayers about decisions that I had to make. I have to say that God never ceases to amaze me in His clear answer to prayer, especially when seeking wisdom about a decision that had to be made. We had the opportunity to buy a much needed truck for half of its worth. My husband is currently without a job so everything would be based on my income alone. I had been asking God to make it clear whether it was something that we should do at this time or not. There were so many reasons that this deal could have fallen through. It was a vehicle that was owned by someone who recently passed away, the next of kin was so uninvolved that it was difficult to get the paperwork and arrange to meet at the bank where the outstanding loan needed to be paid off. There was the possibility that the bank would not agree to the arrangement, the secretary of state could have required more than the paperwork that we had available, etc.
Everything went so smoothly (even the trip to the Secretary of State) that there was no doubt that this was a good decision.
I’m happy for you Dawn. Those situations can be so stressful-love how it came together for you.
It has been so exciting to see all that God has been doing in your life, Laura! I’m so glad everything went smoothly.
I mistakenly said Laura, when I meant to say Dawn. Sorry.
What a great answer to prayer, Dawn. Lots of complicated details and He worked them all 0ut. God is truly Awesome!
Love this story, Dawn!
TUESDAY: Finishing Up Paige
3. What other highlights stood out to you? I love the comment about our sharing of the gospel should be a welcome, not a weapon.
4. What do you remember about her e-mails with her friends’ friend who were so aghast by her teaching? (I loved this story and how she responded.)
I love this and wish so that the church as a whole could see outsiders this way. I believe our current church is trying to push for this, however, our larger community sadly has been caught up in the opposite. When my daughter met with her Sunday school for the first time back 20 plus years ago, it was a reformed church with a Christian school and we homeschooled. She was told by a classmate (third grader!) that she would go to hell because she didn’t go to the Christian school. So sad! The kids mocked public school children and generally thought that the gospel was only for them. I do see changes to some but this way of thinking has been around a long time, of the Christian’s being an elite group who the gospel is for and others not being worthy.
I agree, Chris. So much damage can be done within the Christian community. I loved a remark by Tim Keller is one of his sermons…I think it was in one of the early episodes of Questioning Christianity ~. “what is really important is how you treat people, who do not believe the way you do.” Not exactly the right words….
Yes, I agree with that Tim Keller comment. How do we treat others who do not believe the way we do? Lol. We have a neighbor who has decided he does not believe in a tenet of the reformed faith any longer. My husband says, okay, neighbor. I now consider you a mission field. Hahaha. Seriously, though, we must maintain relationships and engage with those who believe differently. Why? And how does the gospel meet them where they are? Tim Keller was so good at meeting people where they are. Praying the Spirit can help me in that area.
This is the idea of what Keller said…it is at about 1 hour into Episode 2 of Questioning Christianity…..
Everybody thinks their way is the right and the other side is the wrong way to think. Being exclusive in your opinion can be on both sides….
Being exclusive is not a matter of what you believe, it’s a matter of how you treat people that don’t agree with you.
Christianity has resources for loving people who don’t agree with you. We need to use the resources and not attack. We need to love people we disagree with.
Thank you, Patti. I” try to find it online. There is also a great book by Paul David Tripp, Reactivity, with how not to respond.
Cheryl, I have that book by Paul David Tripp. I agree, it is so good.
Being exclusive has to do with how we treat people who disagree with us
2. What assignment did Barrs give his class and why were they lining up? Do you think we could do this assignment on a smaller scale — not a twenty page essay, but endeavoring to get to know an unbeliever in our path well enough that we could see where the gospel might touch his story?
He gave an assignment to write a 20 page paper about an unbeliever. They were worried because they didn’t know what these people thought. They didn’t know what their friends or family members believed about the world. How well had they loved them? They didn’t have to agree with them.
I think I have tried to do this before. I’m not very good at articulating my thoughts about this subject.
4. What do you remember about her e-mails with her friends’ friend who were so aghast by her teaching? (I loved this story and how she responded.)
The friends had way different ideas compared to Paige’s. They didn’t think she would want to meet with them. They were surprised that she did and agreed to. She wanted to get to know them because they had their friend in common. Because the Son ran toward us we run toward others.
I can relate! My words don’t come easily in the moment, but with thought and study I can write them! Frustrating in the moment though when I wish for the words I need.
It is so hard to articulate what is in a person’s heart. I have a difficult time with this, as well.
I love this point, Laura: Because the Son ran toward us we run toward others.
I am sorry that I have not been here for the last two weeks. Barb, who is like a mother to me, has been placed on hospice care. Our church is growing in attendance, and with that come needs. Richard and I are finding ways to be meaningfully engaged with these new people while maintaining that with our dear church members who have been with us for a while. I am trying to keep my priorities in order and am thankful for the ways God continues to provide for us. I keep watch over my marriage with Richard and my relationship with my daughter; I do not want “ministry” to take precedence over these two important people in my life.
I have listened to Paige twice and have taken notes. I love how she demonstrates her love for Jesus and her love for truth. I am very convicted by her challenge taken from Jerram Barrs. Wow! The first person that came to mind is our daughter, Ruth. But many others-even those who are sitting in the pews in our church! I even thought of Barb, my dear friend. And while I have time and she is still with us here on earth, I pray I can sit down and write her thoughts about her faith.
My God Shot is that God offers life to “whoever”. Not only to me but to all. Lord, may I be quick to offer Jesus to others.
Awe, Bing. The Lord has you so busy with his work and watching a dear friend on hospice can be so hard. Praying for you to have the energy you need and keep priorities straight as you say. Blessings to you today as you navigate this season. Love your heart for others.
You carry a lot as a pastor’s wife, Bing. I pray members are rising up to meet needs too!
Dear Bing, I am praying for you and for your dear friend, Barb. It is so hard when it is someone close. You have a such a full life of giving yourself, 24 hours a day. Praying for God to keep you and your family in His care.
Bing, I feel the temporary stress you relate in your post. I will pray for a settling down, but these are good things too! More people coming to church means we have an “audience” who wants to learn about God. That’s a good thing! I also understand the marriage piece, as it is tough with obligations everywhere else. I am glad you found time to come here too. I am feeling that stress as well (too much to do and too little time). Love you sister!
Thank you all for the encouragement! Barb is rallying, and I visit, call, or text her every day, even if only for a short time. I think the reality of losing her has finally caught up with me, and I have had crying spells. Dee, yes, members are stepping up; excitement is brewing for our 17th women’s luncheon next Sunday, the 11th. Several women are busily helping tie up loose ends. I feel and see the Spirit moving among us.
I will listen again to Paige tomorrow and will re-read I John. I am learning much as well by reading the comments here. “Surely the presence of the Lord is in this ‘ place ‘. “
WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY — LISTEN EACH DAY AND SHARE YOUR COMMENTS
I am listening bit by bit as I’m able this week. Paige is highlighting the TRUTH TEST. Do we believe what God tells us about ourselves? We don’t like to admit to the truth about ourselves. There is sin in all of us. We need His light to see our sin. We make excuses. BUT if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins (v.9).
She reminded us of the story of the wheelbarrow and the man who pushed people in it -if you believe get in the wheelbarrow. To get in we must admit to our sin and who we are and submit to God’s authority. This is our truth test. We face things everyday that we must ask ourselves, do I believe?
Circumstances I am facing this week where I need to trust God’s authority in my life-this is how I am getting in the wheelbarrow:
1. My step-mom’s health-will she survive this bacterial infection? She had another surgery yesterday for a full knee replacement as infection showed up again only a short time after the last surgery. She struggled to come out of anesthesia and was having low respirations. She is weak from the stroke and being in bed for almost two weeks now. Will she come home? Will she even make it to rehab? If so, will she ever walk again? How long do we have with her? She’s 81. These are my fears speaking, but this is my faith-She is his child. She knows Jesus. She will be welcomed home by her Heavenly Father when it’s time for her to go. He loves her more than I do and knows how long she will remain here on earth. HE knows when I will be okay without her. I can trust HIm. The Lord is good. He is a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.
2. My daughter’s marriage to her husband struggling with alcohol, lies, control issues, etc. If she takes him back without seeing change, the cycle of abuse will continue. If she insists on counseling and evidence of a real change before he comes back home, when do we trust him? Will he be honest? If she chooses divorce or a formal separation, is that the right choice? God hates divorce. She can’t keep up with the house payments on her own. He can’t work while in treatment. Will he get a job after? How long can she stay in the house before she is forced to make a decision? Will he support her and the girls if she goes through with the separation? His family has money. Will they support his bad decisions and believe his lies? These are my fears speaking, but this is my faith-God has a story written for my daughter and their whole family. Surely, there is hope for the future. My daughter knows Jesus and is living for him. She is faithful to teach her children about the Lord. She is seeking godly counsel regarding her situation. Whatever her husband does in his lost state, God can forgive if he seeks Him. We can only share the gospel with him and pray for the Holy Spirit to work in his heart. I will continue to pray and search for what God would have me do for them, but leave the rest to Him. God is still in control even when my circumstances feel so out of control.
3. Four grandbabies coming this year: after 2 major losses in the last 3 years, what is next? Will these babies make it? Will there be problems? We know the twins are at risk for complications. There are scans every week to monitor fluid levels. This week there was no change which is good. Growth is also being monitored. So far all looks good. My son who lost his baby 2 years ago has no insurance for his wife. She’s applied for Medicaid for the pregnancy. It’s not great coverage for a high risk pregnancy. Will they have the money they need? Will this baby make it past week 22 when they lost the first one? Again, these are my fears speaking, but this is my faith: The Lord is God, he made us. He is light, and in him is no darkness at all. He has a plan and loves these 4 precious souls. I can trust Him with ALL the details and their little lives. He works all things for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose. I put my trust in Him!
Looking forward to learning more about this truth test and what I believe about what God tells me about myself.
Chris, you have so so much in your truth test! I will pray for your family. We know He is able, yet we are overwhelmed. I pray for His peace in your heart. We truly can live only one day at a time and it is so hard to do that. Praying!
Dear Chris, How easy it is to be caught in the trap of our own fears, I know. With everything coming your way, you are holding on to the Lord and His promises. I am so encouraged by this post. I will continue to pray for you and your family. Love, cheryl
That is so much, Chris. Praying for His tender mercies.
Thank you, sweet friends. His mercies are new every morning.
Praying for your family, Chris.
Paige – first 20 minutes
Are we going to believe what we think about ourselves, or what God says about ourselves. I knew this would be a convicting/revealing message when Paige said this. Often things get muddled in my life, and I need to remember God’s words.
Light symbolizes God’s Being; it is about His revelation (light reveals/illuminates) – light bears witness to itself; Light speaks of God’s omniscience; Light has to do with God’s truthfulness – defines what is truth and error; Light has to do with His righteousness/holiness – He defines what is pure. God sets the standard morally and ethically.
eternal, reveals/illuminates, self witnessing, omniscience, true, righteous, holy, pure = Jesus
I appreciated Paige reading all the scripture verses in John that about Jesus being the Light. I had looked them up earlier, but to hear them in a continuous statement was thrilling.
Light and Darkness cannot meet, and they cannot have anything to do with each other. Maybe is not a choice. There are some things that can NEVER be compromised. I think back to last week and everything that John tells us about Jesus: Son of God, eternalWord, righteous, etc. We MUST hold on to Jesus.
God knows all, He sees all, He reveals all. What do we see when we are held up to THIS LIGHT? This is where I stopped.
I love her example of the windshield. We truly cannot see how dirty we are until the light shines on us. Praying God’s light shines for my son-in-law to see what he needs to see, before it is too late. Praying for myself to continue in the light so I may see my errors and continue in right relationship with my king. I’m loving her talk about confession. I’m seeing this in a new light. Need to re-listen and take notes.
So true. I remember looking at the pictures of me from my daughter Sally’s wedding, which happened a year after Steve died. I was so heavy, but I had been denying it. That light caused me to get serious about my idol of trying to have food comfort me instead of God.
I am listening but honestly, the schedule is killing me right now. Thank you for understanding. I will read through posts and relisten to Paige, and then try to post something of value! Sometimes she is at a higher level than I am with her thoughts.
Laura — she is challenging. First time I listen I sometimes feel I didn’t like this one as well, then the 2nd time I get so much more. She is deep and you certainly have grace for your schedule.
Thanks Dee. I love you guys here and want to be here more than anywhere else, reading, studying, discussing the Word!
Oh Laura, this is not a graded course. or even a pass fail based on attendance. It’s evident that you are in His Word, and you will be blessed by whatever you can do, I know. You are In Him that is true.
I’m sorrry if I sound like I am the facilitator, Dee
lol! Thanks for the encouragement Cheryl Ann!
The higher level-yup. Her thoughts and the way she brings out the teaching in 1 John are deep but bringing new light to me. Life is busy and it’s challenging to stay in this place but I am drawn back to our Palace Beautiful and love to be here and love to see the things each of you are learning when we can show up. ❤️