Author Archives: OneBranch

Taking Advice from the Beloved Disciple – 1John 2:25-29

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”

Taking Advice from the Beloved Disciple – 1John 2:12-24

In 1 John 2:12-24, the Apostle John progressed in his teaching on the assurance of the believer by instructing believers to reject all that would detract from a growing faith in Christ and to apply the truth to all aspects of life. So, how do you know you are growing in your faith? What thingsContinue reading “Taking Advice from the Beloved Disciple – 1John 2:12-24”

Taking Advice from the Beloved Disciple – 1John 2:1-11- Lite (15 min)

How many people say they “know” you? I’ve frequently heard people say they know another person, but based on their descriptions and actions, I doubted their level of intimacy with them. Knowing someone implies a form of relationship, and a relationship impacts those involved. Some assume they know someone based on facts they have obtained,Continue reading “Taking Advice from the Beloved Disciple – 1John 2:1-11- Lite (15 min)”

Taking Advice from the Beloved Disciple – 1John 2:1-11

How many people say they “know” you? I’ve frequently heard people say they know another person, but based on their descriptions and actions, I doubted their level of intimacy with them. Knowing someone implies a form of relationship, and a relationship impacts those involved. Some assume they know someone based on facts they have obtained,Continue reading “Taking Advice from the Beloved Disciple – 1John 2:1-11”

A Renewing Mind Does … – Lite(15 min)

Following Christ is the most unnatural thing without the indwelling Holy Spirit’s application of the Word of God! If someone is really a believer (as defined by Christ) and growing beyond the infancy stage, they would tell you the calling is a life of self-sacrifice, difficult to navigate, ever stretching their character and incredibly fulfilling with great joy. IfContinue reading “A Renewing Mind Does … – Lite(15 min)”

A Renewing Mind Does … (Romans 12:3-21)

Following Christ is the most unnatural thing without the indwelling Holy Spirit’s application of the Word of God! Suppose I don’t think too deeply about how I am to live and merely concentrate on the benefits of being a Christian. In that case, I can see how many aspiring followers in the last few decadesContinue reading “A Renewing Mind Does … (Romans 12:3-21)”

Taking Advice from the Beloved Disciple – 1John 1:5-10 – Lite (10 min)

What is it about us that wants to hide or diminish our faults? Have you ever considered that when we do so, we are lying to God and deceiving ourselves? There may be momentary comfort in cloaking your sin, but it is a sign of discord from God. Pride, deceit, fear and selfishness are part ofContinue reading “Taking Advice from the Beloved Disciple – 1John 1:5-10 – Lite (10 min)”

Taking Advice from the Beloved Disciple – 1John 1:5-10 (10 min)

What is it about us that wants to hide or diminish our faults? Have you ever considered that when we do so, we are lying to God and deceiving ourselves? There may be momentary comfort in cloaking your sin, but it is a sign of discord from God. Pride, deceit, fear and selfishness are part ofContinue reading “Taking Advice from the Beloved Disciple – 1John 1:5-10 (10 min)”

Taking Advice from the Beloved Disciple – 1John 1:1-5 – Lite (10 min)

People want to improve themselves and their circumstances. Ever since the Garden of Eden, humanity has grasped for more illumination. Jesus warned people saying, “… take heed that the light which is in you is not darkness.” (Luke 11:35) Clearly, the Lord indicated there is a luminousness that is good and another that is evil.Continue reading “Taking Advice from the Beloved Disciple – 1John 1:1-5 – Lite (10 min)”

Taking Advice from the Beloved Disciple – 1John 1:1-5 (10 min)

People want to improve themselves and their circumstances. Ever since the Garden of Eden, humanity has grasped for more illumination. Jesus warned people saying, “… take heed that the light which is in you is not darkness.” (Luke 11:35) Clearly, the Lord indicated there is a luminousness that is good and another that is evil.Continue reading “Taking Advice from the Beloved Disciple – 1John 1:1-5 (10 min)”