01 - Introduction: Walking In Truth & Love
May 29, 2022 • Pastor Ronald H. Gann
The three small letters written by the apostle John—1-3 JOHN—were written to the third-generation church in around Asia minor who had lost the conviction of the first-generation church (and even struggled to maintain the beliefs of the second-generation church). John saw flagrant deceptions accepted as gospel truth and a lazy church that was slow to correct and quick to capitulate. Out of his remarkably retentive memory—no doubt quickened, inspired, and energized by the Holy Spirit—John wrote 1-3 JOHN to remind his readers about what it means to walk worthily in the manner of Christ.
33 - The Excellency Of Love (Part 2)
January 9, 2022 • Pastor Ronald H. Gann • 1 Corinthians 13:4–5
Love! It’s both a fruit of the Holy Spirit, according to Galatians 5:22, and it’s the very definition of who God is, according to 1 John 4:16! And because God has poured His love into our hearts (Romans 5:5), it is therefore not only possible for us as believers to walk in love but it is expected of us. Far greater than tongue talking or prophesying is the spiritual fruit of love. Moreover, for a Christian to demonstrate a type of love that is patient and kind (void of envy, arrogance, and rudeness) is what God deems to be the more excellent than all the spiritual gifts combined.
32 - The Excellency Of Love (Part 1)
January 2, 2022 • Pastor Ronald H. Gann • 1 Corinthians 13:1–3
The Bible’s simplest description of God—which is really God’s description of Himself since He inspired the men who wrote it—is that “God is love” (1 John 4:16). If we are indeed children of God through faith in Jesus Christ, who share in His nature (see 2 Peter 1:4), then we tool should exhibit love to others. In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul emphasizes this point unlike any other passage in Scripture. It may be, from a literary viewpoint, the greatest passage the apostle Paul ever penned. As such, it has been called the hymn of love, a lyrical interpretation of the Sermon on the Mount, and the Beatitudes set to music.