John, the Apostle of love as an elderly man writes two short letters to people who are dear to him. This is the first.
2 John 1: Greeting
1 The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all who know the truth,
2 because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:
3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father's Son, in truth and love.
Walking in Truth and Love
4 I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father.
5 And now I ask you, dear lady---not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning---that we love one another.
6 And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.
7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.
8 Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward.
9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.
10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting,
11 for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.
Final Greetings
12 Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete.
13 The children of your elect sister greet you.
Things to think about…
The Elder is John, but who is the ‘elect lady’ he is writing to 2Jn 1:1? Is it a woman, is it a church, is it elect Jewish Christians? It seems it is a church, 2Jn 1:8 because he says “watch yourselves” – plural. He also mentions children of “your elect sister” 2Jn 1:13 – likely another church. At the end of the day, it matters little because the words are to edify all those who are elect in Christ Jesus. Note 2Jn 1:3. John uses a similar greeting here that the Apostle Paul uses in his letters. It is full of grace and truth and immediately sets the tone of the letter, that these people are secure and loved, not only by John but by the Father in heaven. The same applies to all the elect in Christ. Rejoice!
2Jn 1:4 can have two meanings. We not only want our children by physical birth to walk with the Lord, but also those who have been born of the Spirit. John’s words here echo the significance of Christ’s words when Jesus asked the crowd who His true family was in Mt 12:46-50. They are of course those who do the Father’s will, Mt 7:21. What an immense blessing it is when our physical and spiritual families are united in Christ.
Love involves obedience, 2Jn 1:6-7. Anyone who does not follow the commandments is deceived and John says are part of the anti-Christ. As Paul writes in 1 and 2 Thessalonians when he speaks of the man of lawlessness, so here John refers to him as antichrist. How do we discern who he is? When he comes, he will deny that Jesus, who is God, came in the flesh. He will say Jesus came no doubt, but he will deny that Jesus is God and therefore deny Christ’s true identity. This is where the Jews will also be deceived. They seek a deliverer who will not proclaim to be God but will be an earthly deliverer of Israel. This spirit has been around since the time of the Apostles, as John also says here in his letter. These words are not well regarded in our pluralistic society but the truth will not give ground. John says this so essential to understand that we should never accept and tolerate evil behaviour or erroneous teaching.
Brothers and sisters in Christ should love to be with each other. John says he has much to write about (as he says in his next letter) but says, “I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete”, vs 12. Meeting together as a community of believers brings about more than information but joy and edification. May we continue to stir up one another in love and good works and meet regularly, especially under the instruction of the Lord’s word.
Like minded churches should acknowledge each other by greeting and sharing in each other’s joys and sorrows, vs 13. What other churches can you encourage and pray for?
Vision statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Prayer points
1. Pray for Esther Jacqueline and Art’s granddaughter – ear operation today
2. Pray for the gospel and this week’s message - ‘How will Jesus return to earth – Part 2”.
3. Pray for Iran and pray for the demise of the IRGC of Iran.
May the Iranian people see the prophesy of Jer 49:34-39 fulfilled over the coming weeks and months.
4. Pray for One for Israel and their witness in this time of challenge and conflict.
5. Pray for the church in Australia that it focuses on Christ, His Word and holiness.
6. Pray for our leaders in Australia that they press in closer to Christ.
7. Pray the influence of Russia and China is minimised militarily.
8. The Royal Commission that the Jewish people will feel safe in Australia.
9. Conflict zones- Israel, Iran and Ukraine
10. Pray for new people to step into ministries at CBC – eg worship, café, sound/technical, giving, podcast.
11. Reform and Revival over our city and country.
12. Finances to cover our needs
13. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to increase.
Praise Points
1. Phil and Anna had a baby girl – Hazel Grace born on Monday 2nd Mar. Praise the Lord
2. Praise God for the Lord’s blessing over our service on Sunday
3. Praise God for ministries – Life Groups, Prayer meetings, Kids@Church
4. Café team every week. Thankyou to all those who serve and bring food. Especially Fiona, Maddie and Suzy and those who supply it every week Eg Ros - Milk.
5. Worship, Admin and Technical teams – Peter, Nita, Brendon, AJ, Suzy, Maddie, Mathys, Doug.
6. Kids Church teachers – Jacqueline, Maddie, Elise, Anastacia and Fiona
7. The Lord’s faithfulness this year to CBC and all who have served in ministries
8. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Easter services – Easter Friday 3rd Apr – 9:00qm. Easter Sunday 5th Apr – 9:30am – Kids activities while the message is on.
2. Passion Play at Moogerah Dam – 28th March and Easter Weekend. Ladies and families welcome. Camping available.
3. Prayer meeting Wed 5:30pm at church. Life group begins at 6:30pm. Going through the book of Romans.
4. All Life Groups - Wednesdays.
5. Kids@Church especially our Easter program.
6. Mothers Day High tea celebration – Saturday morning, May 9th at Church.
7. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
8. Tune in again this week on our YouTube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for March...
Q. 6. How could the Son of God suffer? A. Christ, the Son of God, became man that he might obey and suffer in our nature.
