To my beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth…I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
III John 1-4
I suggest you wisely consider the phrase “nevertheless afterward” in the above verse.
John the Apostle was likely in his nineties when he wrote his final epistle. No longer did he pen lengthy letters. Yet even in this short letter of his there is a depth of him seen in the verbs he uses with increasing frequency– “truth” and “love.” What a great pair of verbs to practice in our diminishing time on this side of Heaven. Truth and love, the ultimate example is not the Apostle, but rather our Great Apostle Jesus Christ. Dear church family, fix your eyes on Him, who is full-up with truth and love.
I am thankful this week to be on a grand, unique and unexpected vacation with Julie and our family– our three kids their spouses and our five grandchildren. God has been so good to us, and He always is! I look forward to this time, the best of all will be to hear that my children walk in truth. Julie and I are so thankful we know that the one certain, eternal truth is our Lord Jesus. Jesus said in John 14– “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” How great that fact is! In John 17 He declares the “Word is truth.” The Psalmist assures– “The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth” (Psalm 145:18). Truth is also eternal, consider II John 1:2 – “the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever.” Another great aspect of Heaven… no deceit, nor falsehood. Heaven is going to be glorious!
Considering truth. I have no doubt you will be taught nothing but the truth today. I am so thankful for Pastor Steve… he is a man who has learned the truth of the scriptures well, and has taught me much. He teaches truth and loves much. I am thankful for our elders and their wives, men and women about the truth and love of our Lord. These couples are a gift to the church and know our Lord and love His word. I am thankful for Steve & Kathy, Karl & Lainie, Adam & Kristin, Matt & Krista. Please realize you can be confident in the counsel from the word they share, the wisdom of God-fearing years, and the value they place on prayer. It is a delight to know this church has leadership that walks in truth. The greatest knowledge of all is to know our Chief Shepherd, Jesus is the embodiment of truth and love beyond measure.
God bless you this week, it is an absolute delight to be a part of this church family. May we be those who bring delight to our Lord Jesus this week. Keep walking and growing in truth and love. The Lord loves you…that is the truth!
Maranatha!