Today you should read: 2 John
I love my church. I thoroughly enjoy worshipping with my church. I soak in the preaching and teaching of God’s Word at my church. I sense a genuine commitment to the vision and mission of my church. I grieve when fellow church members are in sin. I rejoice when fellow church members celebrate the blessings of God in their lives (i.e. a new baby, wedding, major milestones). I mourn with my church family when there is a funeral or a major illness among us. I miss my church when I travel for ministry or family purposes.
Is this normal?
Yes. In fact, I contend that this is a vital part of normal, New Testament Christianity. That’s what Paul models for us in almost all of his letters. Same with Peter. And as we see today, this is what John puts on display in the second of his “mini-letters”. God has designed the local church to be like a family. Yes, that means even the “crazy uncle” or “weird cousin” among us our kin. I believe that this is one of the ways the world sees us as set apart. Jesus makes it plain: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35 ESV)
In 2 John, we see John’s love for the church and just how much he wants these young Christians to know that God loves them (v.1-3). He has a genuine concern for their growth in Christ and the discipleship process (v.4-6). He desires for them to know and believe the truth about Jesus (v.7). He wants them to be on guard for false teachers (v.7 & 10). He warns them to stay sharp and realize the spiritual battle they are in (v.8-9). Finally, like a military dad who’s deployed and longs to be home with his kids, he writes, it seems with tears in his eyes, that he can’t wait to be there in person.
I hope you walk away from 2 John with a greater love for God and His local church (whether you’re at Center Point or somewhere else). It’s God’s plan for you to be a part of one. It’s His primary vehicle for both soul care and global evangelism. No church is perfect. But neither is any family. Stay invested and be rooted in love.
So, what did God teach you from 2 John?
Posted by: Todd Thomas
JumpstartCPC.com 