3 john has three lessons for us: 1) practice hospitality and generosity, especially to missionaries or teachers of the Word 2) continue to walk in the truth, and 3) do what is right. 3 John is a letter to a fellow named Gaius who had a great reputation for always offering his hospitality and friendship to traveling missionaries and teachers. John says we should "support them so that we may become partners with them for the truth", for they are "traveling for the Lord". Gaius is an example of a faithful, selfless servant that we should strive to be like as we encounter opportunities to help those in God's ministry.

2 john encourages us to walk in the truth, walk in obedience, and walk in love. John says the truth lives in us and will be with us forever, just as His grace, mercy, and peace will continue to be with us. He then reminds us that "anyone who wanders away" from the teaching of Christ "has no relationship with God". Finally, "as you have heard from the beginning, His command is that you walk in love". Our love is demonstrated by walking according to His commandments. John concludes the letter with a warning not to associate with anyone who does not abide in the teaching of Christ, since in doing so would be participating in his evil deeds.

1 john 5 teaches that we achieve victory of the evil world through our faith in Jesus Christ, who has given us eternal life. John says that we may "know that we have eternal life" and that we can be "confident that He hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases Him". He says that God's children don't make a practice of sinning because "God's Son holds them securely and the evil one cannot touch them". Jesus has "given us understanding so that we can know the true God" and live in fellowship with Him. Finally, John warns that we need to "keep away from anything that might take God's place in your hearts".

1 John 4 warns of false prophets who deny the truth about Jesus. We are reminded, however, that we are indwelled by the Holy Spirit, who is "greater than the spirit who lives in the world" and therefore we "have already won a victory over those people".
Next, John explains that God is love, and the love of God is in us "who confess that Jesus is the Son of God" . Since God so loved us that he sent his one and only Son in order for us to have eternal life, "we surely ought to love each other". Furthermore, John says, "those who love God must also love their Christian brothers and sisters".

1 John 3
We are God's children, so "let us show the truth by our actions".

1 john 2 teaches us that since Jesus is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, we are made complete in Him and can rightly claim to live in Him and consequently have the power and freedom to walk as He did. Through our relationship with Him, we are enabled by His grace to live a lifestyle in obedience to His word and commands. The truths of His word were evident in His life and walk, and therefore should be evident in our lives. As one begins this relationship with God, our old lifestyle of "darkness is passing and the true light is already shining", which is Christ in us. Our old worldly ways ("cravings of sinful man") pass away, "but the man who does the will of God lives forever". We are warned not to lose faith that Jesus is the Christ, which is "what you have heard from the beginning", even though some (antichrists) will try to persuade us to deny Him. Our indwelling Spirit of God teaches and guides us in truth and will faithfully remain in us, preserving us and allowing us to continue in confidence awaiting His return.

1 John 1 is about the reality of Christ the Messiah , who came as "the Word of life" from the father, so that we might have fellowship with the Father and receive Him, who is our eternal life. Fellowship with Him means that we walk with Him in His light, but if we deny Him we can only walk in darkness. By denying Him, we deny His Word and therefore will not have the truth and give up the privilege of resting in the eternal life available in Christ. But, if we confess our sins , He is faithful and will forgive us and we can enter into fellowship with Him and with one another in the Body, and the blood of Jesus purifies us and He becomes our eternal life.

2 Peter 3 reminds us that the day of the Lord is coming soon. Scoffers will mock the prophesies of Christ's return and will deny their creator and the only Way to eternal life. Peter encourages us to live holy and godly lives, looking forward to that day and the new heavens and new earth He has promised. We are to make every effort to be found "living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in His sight", as He continues to grow us in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 2 describes false teachers among us. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies, and will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. They are proud and arrogant, and they act like "unthinking animals", behaving by instinct and indulge themselves in evil pleasures. They delight in deception and "are as useless as dried-up springs". Peter says they would have been better off if they had never known the way to righteousness, since they reject the command to live a holy life. They prove true the proverb: "A washed pig returns to the mud". Their destruction is their reward as they live under God's curse.

2 Peter 1 reminds us of the abundant blessings we receive through our knowledge of Him who called us, namely grace and peace, and "everything we need for life and godliness". We are called to therefore behave with goodness, self-control, brotherly kindness and love, so that our knowledge of Christ will be effective and productive and we will be confident in the assurance of our calling and election.

1 Peter 5 provides some further guidance for men who work in the shepherding of God's people. We are encouraged to "care for the flock of God" willingly without grudge and with eagerness in service to God. We are called to lead by example, serving in humility under the mighty power of God. Finally, we are warned to be watchful and alert of the enemy, resisting him and standing firm in the faith with confidence that our God of grace will himself "make you strong, firm, and steadfast".

1 Peter 4 teaches that when we submit to suffering for Christ, we actually "arm ourselves with the same attitude" of Christ's suffering on the cross. With this attitude of submission, we no longer live for our sinful desires, "but rather for the will of God". Peter says this requires us to be clear minded , self-controlled, loving each other deeply, serving others with whatever gift God has given us, speaking the words of God and serving with the strength God provides, to His glory and praise.

1 Peter 3 teaches some principles regarding right Christian living. Our lives witness to unbelievers more than our words, so be careful that our behavior is pure and godly. We should value the attitude and inner spirit of a person more than their outward appearance, since only these are valued in God's eyes. Behave rightly toward others with honor and respect and understanding, since otherwise "your prayers will not be heard" (3:12 also). Peter lists five aspects that should characterize believers 1) one mind (pursuing the same goals), 2) sympathy (responsive to others) , 3) love ( treating each other as family), 4) tenderness ( caring and sensitive), 5) humility ( encourage and rejoice together). Lastly, Peter reminds us again that we may suffer for doing what is right, but God will reward us for it. He says "don't be afraid" then, and "don't worry", since we can trust in our "Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls".

1 Peter 2 teaches that He has chosen us that we "may grow up in our salvation" and we "are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood" now that we have "tasted that the Lord is good". We are called therefore as people belonging to God, to get rid of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and abstain from sinful desires "which war against your soul". We have received His mercy and have been called "out of darkness into His wonderful light". Before pagans and also every authority, we must live good lives full of good deeds and in submission, bringing glory to God and silencing "the ignorant talk of foolish men". We are to show proper respect to others, love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, and honor the king. Finally, we must "entrust ourselves to Him who judges justly", just as Jesus did when he suffered and bore our sins on the cross.

1 Peter 1 teaches us to praise Him for His great mercy and to rejoice in the hope we have in the resurrected Jesus for an imperishable inheritance, since we are "shielded by God's power" for our salvation. We are told therefore to "be holy in all you do" by setting " your hope fully on the grace" given by "He who called you". Lastly, we are purified by obeying the living and enduring word of God, giving us sincere, deep love for one another and genuine faith in our God that results in His praise, glory and honor.

James 5 teaches three basic lessons: store up only eternal treasures since earthly treasure will soon rot and disappear, be patient in suffering , and be honest in speech. Also, James reminds us of God's infinite power of healing (both physical and spiritual) available through prayer and communion with Him.

James 4 reminds us that selfish, prideful, covetous, and quarrelsome attitudes are derived from motivation by pleasure and desire for the ways of the world. James says that this "friendship with the world" is hatred toward God. In order to do avoid these behaviors, God calls us to continually humble ourselves before Him, submit to Him , and draw close to Him. Finally, we are reminded that we are only "a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes". So we shouldn't boast about tomorrow but instead acknowledge God's omnipotence and condition our plans on His willing.

James 3 is about self-control and godly motivation in regards to our speech. James says that how we exercise our tongue will impact "the entire course of your life". He says an uncontrolled tongue is "full of deadly poison" and can bring "enormous damage". Our speech is either motivated by evil, full of jealousy, selfishness, earthly concerns and desires, unspiritual thoughts, and disorder, or it is motivated by godly wisdom, full of love, peace, purity, consideration for others, submission, mercy, sincerity, impartiality, eternal perspective, and goodness.
By His grace, the Holy Spirit guides our hearts and minds and will give us the strength we need to control our tongue, if only we will daily submit and present ourselves to His will and seek in all we do and say to please Him and bring glory to His name.

James 2 reminds us of the basis of our faith --- belief in God's mercy through Christ. James says that if we practice favoritism rather than merciful love towards others, we must also have denied God's mercy towards us and therefore our faith cannot be genuine.

The book of James begins with outlining some general characteristics of a genuine Christian life. James says that we will experience trouble and trials, but we are to "let it be an opportunity" for God to grow our faith, endurance, and character. We must pray for and depend on Him for wisdom and practical discernment and "really expect Him" to answer and provide these so that we can know His will. Remember that whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God. But, only spiritual wealth is eternal, since worldly riches will soon be gone. James urges us to "be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry". We are to "get rid of all the filth and evil" in our lives and "humbly accept the message God has planted in our hearts"...to obey Him. James calls us to be "doers" of the Word, not just listeners. Our good works are the evidence of the faith that God has given to us and the work that God is doing to perfect us in Christ Jesus.

In Hebrews 13, Paul gives us some final exhortations. He urges us to love one another, showing hospitality towards others, to honor marriage with our faithfulness, stay away from the love of money, being satisfied with what we have, and to remember our spiritual leaders and continue to follow their example. Paul reminds us that our spiritual strength and maturity comes from God's grace, not our own efforts to follow the law. He says that our Lord Jesus will equip us with all that we need for doing His will. Paul concludes with a prayer for the saints, that "He may produce in us, through the power of Jesus Christ, all that is pleasing to Him". Amen

Hebrews 12 is a call to submit to God's discipline and to listen and obey God. Paul says, "strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress". We only win the struggle against sin if we keep our eyes on Jesus, not ourselves or our circumstances. Paul says "don't become weary and give up", but "cheerfully submit to the discipline of our heavenly Father". God's discipline is always right and good for us. Next, Paul urges us to live in peace with everyone and to seek to live a holy life. We are also urged to look after each other and watch out that "no bitter root of unbelief rises up" among us. Finally, Paul says to make sure nobody is immoral or godless, and we must see to it that we obey God and seek to "please Him by worshipping Him with holy fear and awe".

Hebrews 11
Now faith is a well-grounded assurance of that for which we hope, and a conviction of the reality of things which we do not see.

Hebrews 10

If you deliberately keep on sinning after you have received the knowledge of the Truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God." "But we...are those who believe and are saved".

Hebrews 9
Christ is worthy. He is the perfect revelation of God, the complete for all time sacrifice for our sin, and the only way to eternal life. Christ sacrificed His life so that we would not have to die (spiritually). Our confidence is in His saving work for us, doing away with all our past, present, and future sin. All our past sins were forgiven on the cross, as "He came once for all time, to remove the power of sin forever by His sacrificial death for us". He has also given us the Holy Spirit to help us deal with present sin and He is now presently our advocate in heaven. Our hope is assured also in His promise to return and raise us to eternal life.

Hebrews 9:11-15
When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death,[c] so that we may serve the living God!
For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.

Hebrews 8 gives us some details about the new covenant. The new covenant involves Jesus as the mediator and high priest, is "superior to the old one", and is "founded on better promises". God found fault with the old obsolete covenant because the people did not remain faithful. God said under the new covenant, He will "put My laws in their minds and write them on their hearts". And, "they will all know Me" , for "I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more". What a wonderful promise of hope to rest in for us who are under the new covenant of Jesus !

Hebrews 7 clarifies the reference in 6:20 to Melchizedek. Paul gives us some explanation of the significance of Jesus being our high priest “in the order of Melchizedek”. Melchizedek was the King of Salem , which means “king of peace” and Melchizedek means “king of righteousness”. Paul says that Melchizedek had no father or mother, no genealogy, and without beginning of days or end of life, so he remains a priest forever, just like the Son of God. Next, Paul explains that Jesus’s priesthood is superior to the levitical priesthood. They were appointed priests based on their ancestry, whereas Jesus demonstrated an “indestructible life”. Verse 6:12 says that with a change in the priesthood, there must also be a change in the law (regulations), so the former regulation is set aside “because it was weak and useless—for the law made nothing perfect”. “A better hope “ has been introduced in Jesus, by which we draw near to God. Furthermore, Paul says that Jesus has become a guarantee of a better covenant . And, since Jesus’ priesthood is forever, he is able to save completely. Jesus is holy and pure, so he was able to sacrifice for our sins once for all time when He offered himself for us, unlike the other high priests who needed to offer sacrifices day after day.

Hebrews 6 is difficult to interpret and many good bible scholars come to quite different conclusions about the details, but nearly all agree that there is no basis in this chapter for denying the biblical doctrine of eternal security. The book was written to Hebrews, who had a difficult time turning from their old Judaism performance-based faith. The lesson is to accept that Jesus paid for our sins FOR ALL TIME and move on. We don't need to fret about the possibility of God turning His back on us if our faith falters, since He remains always faithful.

In Hebrews 5, Paul continues to demonstrate Jesus and Christianity to be superior to the old priesthood and Judaism. Paul reminds us that God announced that Jesus is His Son and that Jesus is our eternal high priest. Next, Paul presents a call us to spiritual training, so that we would have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong. We need to listen to God and not let ourselves become spiritually dull, and God will then grow us up to be mature enough to teach others the basic things about God's Word.