According to Wikipedia, a "whistle stop" is a stopping point where trains stop only on request, as in an unscheduled visit. Or, as in politics, it describes a series of short visits to multiple locations in a short amount of time.
I will be presenting a series of Scripture studies from time to time that will incorporate a bit of each of the above. This means that they will not necessarily follow the usual order found in other studies, nor will they be too lengthy.
It's my sincere intent to quickly get to the essence of the material in a concise, yet informative way; while at the same time encouraging more thorough, independent study; at the reader’s discretion.
Our first stop along the way is at 1 John, or The First Epistle of John. I chose this particular book in Scripture for a few reasons. First, though only five chapters long, it deals with the topics of the Father, fellowship, and the family of God.
Additionally, at this time of the year many are looking for a favorable way to finish the year. This First Epistle of John provides an excellent path to do so in a promising and inspirational manner.
Now, keeping to my word of not going into a major study, I will provide only the facts necessary to ensure a profitable learning experience. I will let you decide the manner and method to explore this subject further, as you like.
Naturally, the best place to start any journey is at the beginning. Allow me to first provide some background information on where we will be going. The apostle John is generally assumed to be the author of 1, 2, and 3 John.
1 John was written somewhere between A.D. 85-95. There is also a good possibility that John was living in Ephesus at the time. Which could be why some think this was a general epistle to Christians around what is now Turkey (Asia Minor).
So what was John's purpose for writing 1 John? It mainly had to do with the troubling conditions that were widespread throughout the Churches at the time he wrote the books. These were generated by a pagan cult known as Gnosticism.
Gnosticism comes from a Greek word meaning "to know." The members known as Gnostics professed to have knowledge of the mysteries of the universe. Their teachings declared that material (physical) and spiritual things existed in separate worlds without any interaction.
The physical could exist in a physical world, take part in their pleasures and sins, lusts and desires. But the spirit could be allowed to surmount over them. This, of course, enabled carnality to enter and create havoc with Christian morality.
This tainted doctrine would not allow the acceptance of the Deity of Christ, because God, Who is a Spirit, could not enter the human (physical) world. Thereby, negating any chance that man could share in the nature of God.
It was due to these inaccurate teachings penetrating into the Church that John composed his Epistles; and why they are just as relevant today. The danger of corruptible teachings has never really disappeared.
Only by the reading and acknowledgement of the content of John's writings will Christians learn to recognize and strengthen themselves against such flawed doctrines. The Word of God is there to be used!
We've set down a solid foundation to build on from here on out. You are encouraged to read 1 John 1 and 2, as that will be our opening topic for study. At that time we will discuss "fellowship" and "knowing Him."
Thank you for joining me in this preliminary installment. I look forward to seeing you again!
Scripture: Isaiah 42:8; Habakkuk 2:14; John 1:14; Romans 1:20; Romans 11:36
Prayer: " You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." - Revelation 4:11
May God richly bless you always,
Leia
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