The Gathering Place Where Family Matters

“My little children, these things I write unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous”          (1 John 2:1).

John did not want believers to get the idea that they could live any way they wished. Sin is never all right. However, John also knew that every believer still sins. When we do sin, he told us what to do in 1 John 1:9. In our text for today, he tells us to rejoice in the fact that our Savior who paid the price in full is also our Advocate!

For today:  Talk often with your Savior and Advocate. He loves you very much!

“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are His”             (2 Timothy 2:19).

There is no greater security than what Paul described as God’s foundation and seal. He knows those who belong to Him. What an incredible security we believers enjoy! No matter what we might be facing, He knows us. Nothing can change that glorious fact.

For today: Think often today of the wonderful fact that if you are a Christian, He knows you!

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you…for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day unto now” (Philippians 1:3, 5).

The Philippian believers were truly special to Paul. When he thought of them, thanksgiving immediately came to his heart. They were faithful partners in sharing the gospel with others. He enjoyed the fellowship with them. You can stay home from church and still be a Christian, but you miss out on many blessings.

For today:  Be sure to worship with God’s people in a church where the Bible is taught.

“And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all” (Acts 4:33).

The church was still quite young in Acts 4. It is interesting to note the great power and great grace that was upon them. All of this was made possible by our Lord’s great resurrection. He not only died for us; He rose triumphantly in great victory. We can rejoice in His great grace!

For today: Several times today, remind yourself of His great resurrection. There is power and grace to be found in Him.

“Behold a voice out the cloud, which said, ‘This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him’” (Matthew 17:5).

The Lord Jesus transfigured Himself in the presence of several of the disciples, showing just a little of His great glory. In the majesty of the Son, the Father speaks of His delight. There must have been great joy when the Father spoke of the great pleasure found in His Son.

For today:  We must trust the Lord Jesus, honor Him and more deeply respect Him. Worship Him today.