Author Archives: OneBranch

Who Is Christ? Philippians 2 (30 min)

In my last post, I asked: who is your God, and where are you on your walk of sanctification? Since the entire letter is focused on overcoming victoriously through the joy available in the LORD, this is an important question. If you are a believer who is agonizing over consuming anxiety, while there can beContinue reading “Who Is Christ? Philippians 2 (30 min)”

Where Are You? Philippians 1

Recently, I had the opportunity to address a group of believers about their appetite concerning Christ. And, of course, as you study God’s word (whether to present it to others or for your personal growth), He is faithful to refine you. And now, I am sharing the impact this study had on me. Regardless ofContinue reading “Where Are You? Philippians 1”

Taking Advice from the Beloved Disciple – 1John 5 (The Conclusion)

Chapter 5 concludes the Apostle’s letter to his family in Christ with encouragement that God-birthed faith in Jesus, the Son of God, overcomes all evil. It is this faith that is the victory because it culminates in eternal life with Father God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and every believer that ever lived. With such an affirming letter about eternal life andContinue reading “Taking Advice from the Beloved Disciple – 1John 5 (The Conclusion)”

Taking Advice from the Beloved Disciple – 1John 4 (Against False Teaching)

There is an idiom that goes like this: “unable to see the forest for the trees”. In chapter 1 John 4, the Apostle John gives direction to see through a forest of various trees (so to speak) by simply looking up to the Source of life and love. Are you trying to sort out what’sContinue reading “Taking Advice from the Beloved Disciple – 1John 4 (Against False Teaching)”

Taking Advice from the Beloved Disciple – 1John 4 (Lite 17 min)

There is an idiom that goes like this: “unable to see the forest for the trees”. In chapter 1 John 4, the Apostle John gives direction to see through a forest of various trees (so to speak) by simply looking up to the Source of life and love. Are you trying to sort out what’sContinue reading “Taking Advice from the Beloved Disciple – 1John 4 (Lite 17 min)”

Taking Advice from the Beloved Disciple – 1John 3

How often have people told you not to be concerned with your sin, or perhaps provided comfort by reminding you that a particular desire, behaviour, attitude or reaction is completely natural? Jesus came to deliver us from the penalty of sin. He also came to set us free from slavery to sin. So, what weContinue reading “Taking Advice from the Beloved Disciple – 1John 3”

Taking Advice from the Beloved Disciple – 1John 3 (Lite 15 min)

How often have people told you not to be concerned with your sin, or perhaps provided comfort by reminding you that a particular desire, behaviour, attitude or reaction is completely natural? Jesus came to deliver us from the penalty of sin. He also came to set us free from slavery to sin. So, what weContinue reading “Taking Advice from the Beloved Disciple – 1John 3 (Lite 15 min)”

Evidence of Saving Faith – Lite Summary

The simplicity of the gospel is that we are saved through faith in Jesus Christ by God’s grace. None of us loved God before we received Christ and we certainly did not (could not) earn it! So what confidence do you have that you have genuine faith that saves (and is unlike the demons whoContinue reading “Evidence of Saving Faith – Lite Summary”

Taking Advice from the Beloved Disciple – 1John 2:25-29 – Lite (12 min)

How many religious organizations exist? How many Christian denominations exist? Is there only one denomination that has saving faith? Those who are deceived do not know they are. Hmmm. Let’s change the questions. What is the basis of my beliefs and how can I be assured that I am not deceived? How do I knowContinue reading “Taking Advice from the Beloved Disciple – 1John 2:25-29 – Lite (12 min)”