Galatians

A family executing their carefully planned escape at midnight, dashing for the border… a man standing outside prison walls, gulping down fresh air, awash in the new sun… a young woman with every trace of ravaging drug gone from her system… they are FREE! With fresh anticipation, they can begin anew life.

Whether fleeing oppression, stepping out of prison, or breaking from a strangling habit, freedom means life. There is nothing so exhilarating as knowing that the past is forgotten and that new options await. People yearn to be free.

The book of Galatians is the charter of Christian freedom. In this profound letter, Paul proclaims the liberty of our liberty in Christ – freedom from the law and the power of sin, and freedom to serve our living Lord.

Most of the first converts and early leaders in church were Jewish Christians who proclaimed Jesus as their Messiah. As Jewish Christians, they struggled with a dual identity: Their Jewishness constrained them to be strict followers of the law; their newfound faith in Christ invited them to celebrate a holy liberty. They wondered how Gentiles (non-Jews) could be part of the Kingdom of God.

This controversy tore the early church. Judaizers – extremist Jewish faction within the church – taught that Gentile Christians had to submit to Jewish laws and traditions in addition to believing in Christ. As a missionary to the Gentiles, Paul had to confront this issue many times.

Galatians was written therefore to refute the Judaizers and to call the believers back to the pure gospel. The Good News is for all people – Jews and Gentiles alike. Salvation is by God’s grace through faith in Christ Jesus and by nothing else. Faith in Christ means true freedom.

After a brief introduction (1:1-5), Paul addressed those who were accepting the Judaizers’ perverted gospel (1:6-9). He summarizes the controversy, including his personal confrontation with Peter and the other church leaders (1:10 – 2:16). He then demonstrates that salvation is by faith alone by alluding to his conversion (2:17-21), appealing to his readers’ own experience of the gospel (3:1-5), and showing how the Old Testament teaches about grace (3:6-20). Next, he explains the purpose of God’s laws and the relationship between the law, God’s promises and Christ (3:21-4:31).

Having laid down the foundation, Paul builds his case for Christian liberty. We are saved by faith, not by keeping the law (5:1-12); our freedom means that we are free to love and serve one another, not to do wrong (5:13-26); and Christians should carry each others’ burdens and be kind to each other (6:1-10). In 6:11-18, Paul takes the pen into his own hand shares his final thoughts.

As you read Galatians, try to understand this first century conflict about grace and law, or faith and deeds, but also be aware of modern parallels. Like Paul, defend the truth of the gospel and reject all those who would add to or twist the truth. You are free in Christ – step into the light and celebrate!

VITAL STATISTICS:

Purpose: To refute the Judaizers ( who taught the Gentile believers that they must obey Jewish law in order to be saved) and to call Christians to faith and freedom in Christ.

Author: Paul

To Whom Written: The churches in southern Galatia, founded on Paul’s first missionary journey (including Iconium, Lystra and Derbe)

Date Written: Approximately AD 49 from Antioch prior to the Jerusalem council (AD 50)

Setting: The most pressing controversy of the early church was the relationship of new believers, particularly the Gentiles to the Jewish law. This was especially a problem for the converts and the young churches that Paul founded on his first missionary journey. Paul wrote to correct this problem. Later, at the council in Jerusalem, the conflict was officially resolved by the church leaders.

Key Verse: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourself be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (5:1)

Key People: Paul, Peter, Barnabas, Titus, Abraham, false teachers

Key Places: Galatia, Jerusalem

Special Features: This letter is not addressed to any specific body of believers and was probably circulated to several churches in Galatia.

MEGA THEMES:

Theme	Explanation	Importance
Law	A group of Jewish teachers insisted that non-Jewish believers must obey Jewish law and traditional rules. They believed a person was saved by following the law of Moses (with emphasis on circumcision, the sign of the covenant), in addition to faith in Christ. Paul opposed them by showing that the law can’t save anyone.	We can’t be saved by keeping the Old Testament law, even the Ten Commandments. The law served as a guide to point out our need to be forgiven. Christ fulfilled the obligation of the law for us. We must turn to him to be saved. He alone can make us right with God.
Faith	We are saved from God’s judgment and penalty for sin by God’s gracious gift to us. We receive salvation by faith – trusting in him – not in anything else. Becoming a Christian is in no way our initiative, wise choice, or good character. We can be right with God only by believing in him.	Your acceptance with god comes by believing in Christ alone. You must never add to or twist this truth. We are saved by faith, not by the good we do. Have you placed your whole trust and confidence in Christ? He alone can forgive you and bring you into a relationship with God.
Freedom	Galatians is our charter of Christian freedom. We are not under the jurisdiction of Jewish laws and traditions nor under the authority of Jerusalem. Faith in Christ brings true freedom from sin and from the futile attempt to be right with God by keeping the law.	We are free in Christ and yet freedom is a privilege. We are not free to disobey Christ and behave immorally, but we are free to serve the risen Christ. Let us use our freedom o love and to serve and not to do wrong.
Holy Spirit	We become Christians through the work of the Holy Spirit. He brings new life; even our faith to believe is a gift from him. The Holy Spirit instructs, guides, leads and gives us power. He ends our bondage to evil desires, and he creates in us love, joy, peace and many other wonderful changes.	When the Holy Spirit leads us, he produces his fruit in us. Just as we are saved by faith and not deeds we also grow by faith. By believing, we can have the Holy Spirit within us, helping us live for Christ. Obey Christ by following the holy Spirit’s leading.

2 Corinthians

Slithering through the centuries, the serpent whispers his smooth-tongued promises, beguiling, deceiving and tempting – urging men and women to reject God and follow Satan. Satan’s emissaries have been many – false prophets contradicting God’s ancient spokesmen, ‘pious’ leaders hurling blasphemous accusations, and heretical teachers infiltrating churches. And the deception continues. Our world is filled with cults, “isms”, and ideologies, all claiming to provide the way to God.

Paul constantly struggled with those who would mislead God’s people, and he poured his life into spreading the Good News to the uttermost parts of the world. During three missionary trips and other travels, he proclaimed Christ, made converts, and established churches. But often young believers were easy prey for false teachers, who were a constant threat to the gospel and the early church. So Paul had to spend much time warning and correcting these new Christians.

The church at Corinth was weak. Surrounded by idolatry and immorality, they struggled with their Christian faith and lifestyle. Through personal visits and letters, Paul tried to instruct them in faith, resolve their conflicts and solve some of their problems. First Corinthians was sent to deal with specific moral issues in the church and to answer the questions about sex, marriage and tender consciences. That letter confronted those issues directly and was well received by most. But there were false teachers who denied Paul’s authority and slandered him. Paul then wrote 2 Corinthians to defend his position and to denounce those who were twisting the truth.

Second Corinthians must have been a difficult letter for Paul to write because he had to list his credentials as an apostle. Paul was reluctant to do so as a humble servant of Christ but he knew it was necessary. Paul also knew that most of the believers in Corinth had taken his previous words to heart and were beginning to mature in their faith. He affirmed their commitment to Christ.

Second Corinthians begins with Paul reminding his readers of (1) his relationship with them – Paul had always been honest and straightforward with them (1:12-14), (2) his itinerary – he was planning to visit them again (1:15 – 2:2), and (3) his previous letter (2:3-11). Paul then moves directly to the subject of false teachers (2:17), and he reviews his ministry among the Corinthians to demonstrate the validity of his message and to urge them not turn away from the truth (3:1 – 7:16).

Paul next turns to the issue of collecting money for the poor Christians in Jerusalem. He tells them how others have given and urges them to show their love in a tangible way as well (8:1 – 9:15). Paul then gives a strong defense of his authority as a genuine apostle while pointing out the deceptive influence of false apostles (10:1 – 13:10).

As you read this intensely personal letter, listen to Paul’s words of love and exhortation. And be committed to the truth of God’s Word and prepared to reject all false teaching.

VITAL STATISTICS:

Purpose: To affirm Paul’s ministry, defend his authority as an apostle and refute the false teachers in Corinth

Author: Paul

To Whom Written: The church of Corinth

Date Written: Approximately AD 55 – 57, from Macedonia

Setting: Paul had already written three letters to the Corinthians (two are now lost). In 1 Corinthians (the second of these letters), he used strong words to correct and teach. Most of the church had responded in the right spirit; there were, however, those who were denying Paul’s authority and questioning his motives.

Key Verse: “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: be reconciled for God” (5:20)

Key People: Paul, Timothy, Titus, false teachers

Key Places: Corinth, Jerusalem

Special Features: This is an intensely personal and autobiographical letter

MEGA THEMES:

Theme	Explanation	Importance
Trials	Paul experienced great suffering, persecution and opposition in his ministry. He even struggled with a personal weakness – a “thorn” in the flesh. Through it all, Paul affirmed God’s faithfulness.	God is faithful. His strength is sufficient for any trial. When trials come, they keep us from pride and teach us dependence on God. He comforts us so we can comfort others.
Church Discipline	Paul defends his role in church discipline. Neither immorality nor false teaching could be ignored. The church was neither to be too lax nor too severe in administering discipline. The church was to restore the corrected person when he or she repented.	The goal of all discipline in a church should be correction and not vengeance. For churches to be effective, they must confront and solve problems and not ignore them. In everything, we must act in love.
Hope	To encourage the Corinthians as they faced trials, Paul reminded them that they would receive new bodies in heaven. This would be a great victory in contrast to their present suffering.	To know we will receive new bodies offers us hope. No matter what adversity we face, we can keep going. Our faithful service will result in triumph.
Giving	Paul organized a collection of funds for the poor in the Jerusalem church. Many of the Asian churches gave money. Paul explains and defends his beliefs about giving, and he urges the Corinthians to follow through on their previous commitment.	Like the Corinthians, we should follow through our financial commitments. Our giving must be generous, sacrificial, well planned and based on need. Our generosity not only helps those in need but enables them to thank God.
Sound Doctrine	False teachers are challenging Paul’s ministry and authority as an apostle. Paul asserts his authority in order to preserve correct Christian doctrine. His sincerity, his love for Christ, and his concern for the people were his defense.	We should share Paul’s concern for correct teaching in our churches. But in doing so, we must share his motivation – love for Christ and his people – and his sincerity.

2 Peter

Warnings may come in many forms: lights, signs, sights, sounds, smells, feelings, written words. With varied focus, their purpose is the same – to advise alertness and to give notice of imminent danger. Responses to these warnings will also vary 0 from disregard to neglect to evasive or corrective action. How a person reacts to a warning is usually determined by the situation and the source. One reacts differently to an impending storm than to an onrushing automobile, and the counsel of a trusted friend is heeded more than the advice of a stranger or fearful imaginings of a child.

Second Peter is a letter of warning – from an authority none other than the courageous, experienced and faithful apostle. And it is the communication from this great warrior of Christ. Soon thereafter, he would die, martyred for his faith.

Previously, Peter had written to comfort and encourage believers in the midst of suffering and persecution – an external onslaught. But three years later, in this letter containing his last words, he wrote to warn them of an internal attack – complacency and heresy. He spoke of holding fast to the nonnegotiable facts of the faith, of growing maturing in the faith, and of rejecting all who would distort the truth. To follow this advice would ensure Christ honouring individuals and Christ centered churches.

After a brief meeting (1:10, peter gives the antidote for stagnancy and short sightedness in the Christian life (1:2 – 11). Then he explains that his days are numbered (1:12-15) and that believers should listen to his messages and the words of Scripture (1:16-21).

Next, Peter gives a blunt warning about false teachers (2:1-22). They will become prevalent in the last days (2:1, 2); they will say or do anything for money (2:3); they will spurn the things of God (2:2, 10, 11); they will do whatever they feel like doing (2:12-17); they will be proud and boastful (2:18 -19); they will be judged and punished by God (2:3-10, 20-22).

Peter concludes his brief letter by explaining why he has written it (3:1-18): to remind them of the words of the prophets and apostles that predicted the coming of the false teachers, to give the reasons for the delay in Christ’s return (3:1-13), and to encourage them to beware of heresies and to grow in their faith (3:14 – 18).

Addressed to those who “have received a faith as precious as ours,” 2 Peter could have been written to us. Our world is filled with false prophets and teachers, who claim to have the truth and who clamor for attention and allegiance. Listen carefully to Peter’s message and heed his warning. Determine to grow your knowledge of Christ and to reject all who preach anything inconsistent with God’s Word.

VITAL STATISTICS:

Purpose: To warn Christians about false teachers and to exhort them to grow in their faith and in knowledge of Christ.

Author: Peter

To Whom Written: The church at large

Date Written: Approximately AD 67, three years after 1 Peter was written, possible from Rome

Setting: Peter knew his time on earth was limited (1:13, 14), so he wrote what was on his heart, warning believers of what would happen when he was gone – especially about the presence of false teachers.

Key Verse: “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (1:3)

Key People: Peter, Paul

Special Features: The date and destination are uncertain, and the authorship has been disputed. Because of this, 2 Peter was the last book admitted to the canon of the New Testament Scripture. Also there are similarities between 2 Peter and Jude.

MEGA THEMES:

Theme	Explanation	Importance
Diligence	If our faith is real, it will be evident on our godly behavior. If people are diligent in their Christian growth, they won’t backslide or be deceived by false teachers.	Growth is essential. It begins with faith and culminates with love for others. To keep growing we need to know God, keep on following him and remember what he taught us. We must remain diligent in faithful obedience and Christian growth.
False teachers	Peter warns the church to beware of false teachers. These teachers were proud of their position, promoted sexual sin and advised against keeping the Ten Commandments. Peter countered them by pointing to the Spirit-inspired Scriptures as our authority.	Christians need discernment to be able to resist false teachers. God can rescue us from their lies if we stay true to His Word, the Bible and reject those who distort the truth.
Christ’s return	One day, Christ will create a new heaven and earth where we will live forever. As Christians, our hope is in this promise. But with Christ’s return comes his judgment on all who refuse to believe.	The cure for complacency, lawlessness and heresy is found in the confident assurance that Christ will return. God is still giving unbelievers time to repent. To be ready, Christians must keep on trusting and resist the pressure to give up waiting for Christ’s return.

1 Peter

Crushed, overwhelmed, devastated, torn – these waves of feelings wash over those who suffer, obliterating hope and threatening to destroy them. Suffering has many forms – physical abuse, debilitating disease, social ostracism, and persecution. The pain and anguish tempt a person to turn back, to surrender, and to give in.

Many first-century followers of Christ were suffering and being abused and persecuted for believing and obeying Jesus. Beginning in Jerusalem at the hands of their Jewish brothers, the persecution spread to the rest of the world – wherever the Christians gathered. It climaxed when Rome determined to rid the empire of the “Christ-ones” – those who would not bow to Caesar.

Peter knew persecution firsthand. Beaten and jailed, he had been threatened often. He had seen fellow Christians die and the church scattered. But he knew Christ and nothing could shake his confidence in his risen Lord. So Peter wrote to the church scattered and suffering for the faith, giving comfort and hope, urging continued loyalty to Christ.

Peter begins by thanking God for salvation (1:2-6). He explains to his readers that trials will refine their faith (1:7-9). They should believe in spite of their circumstances; for many in the past ages believed in god’s plan of salvation, even the prophets of the old who wrote about it but didn’t understand it. But now salvation has been revealed in Christ (1:10-13).

In response to such a great salvation, Peter commands them to live holy lives (1:14-16), to reverently fear and trust God (1:17 – 21), to be honest and loving (1:22 – 2:1), and to become like Christ (2:1-3).

Jesus Christ , as a “chosen and precious cornerstone” upon whom the church is to be built (2:4, 6), is also the stone that was rejected, causing those who are disobedient to stumble and fall (2:7, 8). But the church, built upon this Stone, is to be God’s holy priesthood (2:9, 10).

Next, Peter explains how believers should live during difficult times (2:11 – 4:11). Christians should be above reproach (2:12 -17), imitating Christ in all their social roles – masters and servants, husbands and wives, church members and neighbours (2:18 – 3:17). Christ should be our role model of obedience to God in the midst of great suffering (3:18 – 4:11).

Peter then outlines the right attitude to have about persecution: Expect it (4:12), be thankful for the privilege of suffering for Christ (4:13-18), and trust God for deliverance (4:19).

Next, Peter gives some special instructions: Elders should care for God’s flock (5:1-4), younger men should be submissive to those who are older (5:5, 6), and everyone should trust God and resist Satan (5:7-11).

Peter concludes by introducing Silas and sending personal greetings possibly from the church in Rome, and from Mark (5:12 – 14).

When you suffer for doing what is right, remember that following Christ is a costly commitment. When persecuted for your faith, rejoice that you have been counted worthy to suffer for your Lord. He suffered for us; as his followers, we should expect nothing less. As you read 1 Peter, remember that trials will come to refine your faith. When they come, remain faithful to God.

VITAL STATISTICS:

Purpose: To offer encouragement to suffering Christians/

Author: Peter

To Whom Written: Jewish Christians driven out of Jerusalem and scattered throughout Asia Minor.

Setting: Peter was probably in Rom when the great persecution under Emperor Nero began. (Eventually, Peter was executed during this persecution). Throughout the Roman Empire, Christians were being tortured and killed for their faith, and the church in Jerusalem was being scattered.

Key Verse: “These have come so that your faith… may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1:7)

Key People: Peter, Silas and Mark

Key Places: Jerusalem, Rome, the region of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia Minor and Bithynia

Special Features: Peter used several images that were very special to him because Jesus had used them when he revealed certain truths to Peter. Peter’s name (which means “rock”) had been given to him by Jesus. Peter’s conception of the church – a spiritual house composed of living stones built upon Christ as the foundation – had come from Christ. Jesus had encouraged Peter to care for the church as a shepherd tending the flock. Thus, it is not surprising to see Peter using living stones (2:5-9) and shepherds and sheep (2:25, 5:2, 4) to describe the church.

MEGA THEMES:

Theme	Explanation	Importance
Salvation	Our salvation is a gracious gift from god. God chose us out of his love for us. Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sin, and the Holy Spirit cleansed us form sin when we believed. Eternal life is a wonderful gift for those who trust God.	Our safety and security are in God. If we experience joy in our relationship with Christ now, how much greater will our joy be when he returns and we see him face to face. Such a hope should motivate us to serve Christ with greater commitment.
Persecution	Peter offers faithful believers comfort and hope. We should expect ridicule, rejection, and suffering because we are Christians. Persecution makes us stronger because it refines our faith. We can face persecution victoriously, as Christ did, if we rely on him.	Christians will suffer for what they believe. We should expect persecution but we don’t have to be terrified by it. The fact that we will live eternally with Christ should give us the confidence, patience and hope to stand firm even when we are persecuted.
God’s family	We are privileged to belong to God’s family, a community with Christ as the founder and foundation. Everyone in this community is related – we are all brothers and sisters loved equally by God.	Because Christ is the foundation of our family, we must be devoted, loyal and faithful to him. By obeying him, we show that we are his children. We must accept the challenge to live differently from society around us.
Family life	Peter encouraged the wives of unbelievers to submit to their husband’s authority as a means of winning them for Christ. He urged all family members to treat each other with sympathy, love, compassion and humility.	We must treat our families lovingly. Though it is never easy, willing service is the best way to influence loved ones. To gain strength we need for self-discipline and submission, we need to pray for God’s help.
Judgment	God will judge everyone with perfect justice. We all will face God. He will punish evildoers and those who persecute God’s people. Those who love him will be rewarded with life forever in his presence.	Because all are accountable to God, we can leave judgment of others to him. We must not hate or resent those who persecute us. We should realize that we’re held responsible for the way we live each day.

3 John

By special invitation or with a surprise knock, company arrives and with them comes the promise of soiled floors, extra laundry, dirty dishes, altered schedules, personal expenses, and inconvenience. From sharing a meal to providing a bed, hospitality costs… in time, energy, and money. But how we treat others reflects our true values-what is really important to us. Do we see people as objects or inconveniences, or as unique creations of a loving God? And which is more important to God, a person or a carpet? Perhaps the most effective way to demonstrate God’s values and Christ’s love to others is to invite and welcome guests into our homes.

For Gaius, hospitality was a habit, and his reputation for friendship and generosity, especially to travelling teachers and missionaries (v5), had spread. To affirm and thank Gaius for his Christian lifestyle, and to encourage him in his faith, John wrote him this letter.

John’s format for this letter centers around three men: Gaius, the example of one who follows Christ and loves others (v1-8); Diotrephes, the self-proclaimed church leader who does not reflect God’s values (v9-11) and Demetrius, who also follows the truth (v12). John encourages Gaius to practice hospitality, continue to walk in the truth and do what is right.

Although this is a personal letter, we can look over the shoulder of Gaius and apply its lessons to our life. As you read 3 John, with which man do you identify? Are you a Gaius, generously giving to others? A Demetrius, loving the truth? Or a Diotrephes, looking out for yourself and your things? Determine to reflect Christ’s values in your relationships, opening your home and touching others with His love.

VITAL STATISTICS:

Purpose: To commend Gaius for his hospitality and to encourage him in his Christian life.

Author: The apostle John

To Whom Written: Gaius, a prominent Christian in one of the churches known to John

Date Written: Approximately A.D 90 from Ephesus

Setting: Church leaders travelled from town to town helping establish new congregations. They depended on the hospitality of fellow believers. Gaius was one who welcomed these leaders into his home

Key Verse: “Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you” (v5)

Key People: John, Gaius, Diotrephes, Demetrius

MEGA THEMES:

Theme	Explanation	Importance
Hospitality	John wrote to encourage those who were kind to others. Genuine hospitality for travelling Christian workers was needed then and is still important today	Faithful Christian teachers and missionaries need our support. Whenever you can extend hospitality to others, it will make you a partner in their ministry.
Pride	Diotrephes not only refused to offer hospitality but also set himself up as church boss. Pride disqualified him from being a real leader.	Christian leaders must shun pride and its effects on them. Be careful not to misuse your position of leadership.
Faithfulness	Gaius and Demetrius were commended for their faithful work in the church. They were held up as examples of faithful, selfless servants.	Don’t take for granted Christian workers who serve faithfully. Be sure to encourage them so they won’t grow weary of serving.

2 John

Truth and love are frequently discussed in our world but seldom practiced.

From politicians to marketers, people conveniently ignore or conceal facts and use words to enhance positions or sell products. Perjury is common, and integrity and credibility are endangered species. Words, twisted in meaning and torn from context, have become mere tools for ego building. It is not surprising that we have to ‘swear’ to tell the truth.

And what about love? Our world is filled with its words: popular songs, greeting cards, media counselors, and romantic novels shower us with notions and dreams of ethereal, idyllic relationships and feelings. Real love, however, is scarce – selfless giving, caring, sharing, and even dying. We yearn to love and be loved, but we see few living examples of real love. Plentiful are those who grasp, hoard, and watch out for ‘number one.’

Christ is the antithesis of society’s prevailing values, that is, falsehood and self-centredness – for He is truth and love in person. Therefore, all who claim loyalty to him must be committed to these ideals – following the truth and living the truth, reflecting love and acting with love toward one another.

The apostle John has seen Truth and Love firsthand – he had been with Jesus. So affected was this disciple that all of his writings, from the Gospel to the book of Revelation, are filled with this theme: truth and love are vital to the Christian, and are inseparable from the Christian life. Second John, his brief letter to a dear friend, is not different. John says to live in the truth and obey God (v4), watch out for deceivers (v7), and love God and each other (v6).

Second John will take just a few minutes to read, but its message should last a lifetime. As you reflect on these few paragraphs penned by the wise and aged follower of Christ, recommit yourself to being a person of truth, of love and of obedience.

VITAL STATISTICS:

Purpose: To emphasize the basics of following Christ – truth and love- and to warn against false teachers

Author: The apostle John

To Whom Written: To ‘the chosen lady’ and her children – or possibly to a local church

Date Written: About the same time as 1 john, approximately A.D. 90 froom Ephesus

Setting: Evidently this woman and her family were involved in one of the churches that John was overseeing –they had developed a strong friendship with John. John was warning her of the false teachers who were becoming prevalent in some of the churches.

Key Verse: “And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love” (v6)

Key People: John, the chosen lady, and her children

MEGA THEMES:

Theme	Explanation	Importance
Truth	Following God’s Word, the Bible, is essential to Christian living because God is truth. Christ’s true followers consistently obey His truth.	To be loyal to Christ’s teaching, we must seek to know the Bible, but we may never twist its message to our own needs or purposes or encourage others who misuse it.
Love	Christ’s command is for the Christians to love one another. This is the basic ingredient of true Christianity.	To obey Christ fully, we must believe his command to love others. Helping, giving, and meeting needs put love into practice.
False leaders	We must be wary of religious leaders who are not true to Christ’s teaching. We should not give them a platform to spread false teaching.	Don’t encourage those who are opposed to Christ. Politely remove yourself from association with false leaders. Be aware of what is being taught in your church.