Week Twenty-five
If I had to sum up the letters of 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, and Jude, I would say the consistent message is “contend for the faith”. You read it in the words, “see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you” . . . “remain in Him” . . . “continue in Him” . . . “do not let anyone lead you astray” . . . “do not believe every spirit . . . only those who acknowledge Jesus as God”. . . “do not lose what we have worked for” . . . “do not imitate what is evil”. And directly, “contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people”.
How do we do that? The answer is simple but maybe not easy: stay connected to the gospel by the power of the Spirit and love one another. The author of 1 John tells the reader, “love one another” five times! Love one another is a key theme of 2 John, and people are talking about the love they see in the church in 3 John. The writer of Jude knows that the way to steer clear from the ones who are attempting to divide the church with false teaching is to collectively keep yourself connected to God’s love. That speaks to being in the Spirit and loving one another.
Essentially, Revelation 1-3 has the same message. While the specifics for each of the seven churches may be different, the idea is the same. If you don’t contend for the faith, things you didn’t think you were susceptible to could very well happen in your faith community. Love for God and for each other must remain at the center and it is hard work to keep it there!
It really is the essence of abiding in Jesus through discipleship that we have been talking about for 24 weeks now. We stay connected to the Vine and we do that best when we do it together. We were created to thrive in community. That will always be a hallmark of human nature. Communities facilitate connection not only with one another, but with the purpose of that community. A community of Jesus followers with the purpose of being disciples who make disciples who make disciples will be the glue that keeps each other from false teachings and from becoming disconnected. Such communities work hard at staying focused on God’s truth and loving one another. Communities like that are unique!
While I believe Crossroads has this unique characteristic, what we need is to perpetuate that into more small groups. Some of us are connected in small groups but some are not. This week, I challenge you to join a small group, or create one. It only take 3 or more people to begin. It doesn’t have to be large and there are no special requirements to start other than a willingness to stay connected to the vine and love one another well.
If you want help getting a group started or figuring out how to lead, please get in touch with me, pastor Brett, or pastor Tara. We would love to help! The more people are connected in small groups, the stronger our overall fellowship will be. You are part of how we contend for the faith.
You can write a comment below, or reach me, Melissa, at mrightmire@crnaz.com . Thank you for traveling with me on this journey through the New Testament.
Below are the readings for week 25:
June 19, 2025 1 John 1:1–3:10 NIV, Ps 138 NIV
June 20, 2025 1 John 3:11–5:21 NIV, Ps 139:title–9 NIV
June 21, 2025 2 John NIV, 3 John NIV, Jude NIV, Ps 139:10–24 NIV
June 23, 2025 Rev 3–4 NIV, Ps 141–142 NIV
