Elemental: S2 - Introduction
on July 29th, 2023
We have just come off a tricky series regarding the deconstruction of our faith. So it might behoove us to spend a little time in Scripture, studying from some books that dealt with conflict, unity, and a singular spirit hoped for in the Christian Ecclesia (community).These little letters are called that because they are relatively small, they use straightforward language to transfer profound theo... Read More
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The Little Letters - End of Week 5
on July 22nd, 2023
INTROThe following is a guide to help facilitate discussion. Feel free to add or subtract or change questions to fit the conversation, and pray for the Spirit to lead in all things.OPENWho is someone in the course of your faith journey that made a major impact on you and the kind of Christian you are or want to become?HEADRead 3 John together and share any wisdom, insights, or questions in respons... Read More
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The Little Letters - Day 34
on July 21st, 2023
13 I have much more to say to you, but I don’t want to write it with pen and ink. 14 For I hope to see you soon, and then we will talk face to face.15 Peace be with you.John wants to be there. He wants to share with them. He doesn’t mind writing to them, but he also wants to be able to meet with them face to face, to get their input, and to build their relationships. I know exactly what this feels... Read More
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The Little Letters - Day 33
on July 20th, 2023
12 Everyone speaks highly of Demetrius, as does the truth itself. We ourselves can say the same for him, and you know we speak the truth.This is a classic redirect! He went from admonishing Gaius to not be like Diotrephes to showing him a better way with Demetrius. Perhaps we can take a couple of things away from this. 1) That young people are sometimes in need of mentors. 2) In any given communit... Read More
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The Little Letters - Day 32
on July 19th, 2023
11 Dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God.“These verses comprise the didactical climax of the epistle.”What does that even mean? Well, “didactical” means to instruct, and to instruct excessively! So this basically means it is the heart ... Read More
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The Little Letters - Day 31
on July 18th, 2023
9 I wrote to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be the leader, refuses to have anything to do with us. 10 When I come, I will report some of the things he is doing and the evil accusations he is making against us. Not only does he refuse to welcome the traveling teachers, he also tells others not to help them. And when they do help, he puts them out of the church.So, even in the e... Read More
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