Basics #3 The Holy Spirit and the TRinity

Contend for the Faith

The book of Jude calls Christians to actively contend for their faith in an age of spiritual deception. Jude warns of three types of false teachers: dreamers who reject authority, waterless clouds who lack substance, and mockers who cause division. To build our faith, we must pray in the Holy Spirit, stay connected to God's love through community, and show mercy to others. Like a fortress built to withstand attacks, our faith requires deep roots in God's Word and continued growth through spiritual disciplines.

2 & 3 John

The apostle John's letter of 2 John reveals essential principles for building thriving Christian community in an increasingly isolated world. John emphasizes two foundational behaviors: walking in truth through daily Bible study and biblical teaching, and loving one another with selfless, sacrificial love. He also warns against false teachers who deny Christ's incarnation and domineering members who seek prominence without responsibility. True Christian community requires setting healthy boundaries while maintaining face-to-face fellowship. The church offers something radically different from worldly individualism - authentic relationships, healing, and joy that comes from being part of God's family.

Love in Unexpected Places

The story of Ruth and Naomi reveals how God's love flows through ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. Naomi's righteous living in a foreign land drew Ruth to faith, demonstrating how our character can attract others to God. Their relationship teaches us about both giving and receiving unexpected love, showing that true kindness requires strength to speak truth in love. This biblical example challenges us to be people others want to follow because of how God's love flows through us, whether as mentors offering wisdom or as those humble enough to receive guidance from others.

Basics #4 Why Did God Create You?

God created the universe not out of loneliness but as an expression of His love and for His glory. Humans are uniquely special as God's pinnacle creation, formed in His image with the breath of life. Our primary purpose is to glorify God through our work, relationships, and daily living. The church serves as God's community of believers, ministering to God through worship, to members through nurturing growth, and to the world through sharing the gospel. These three elements create a beautiful cycle where creation, humanity, and the church all work together to bring glory to God.

1 John 5:6-13 Certainty in an Uncertain World

In a world filled with doubt, many Christians struggle with questions about their salvation. Through 1 John 5:6-13, we discover that God provides clear evidence for our faith through three witnesses: the water of Jesus' baptism, the blood of His sacrifice, and the testimony of the Holy Spirit. Our assurance doesn't come from feelings, which can change, but from God's unchanging facts. There's no middle ground with Jesus—you either believe God's testimony about His Son or you don't. God's purpose is for believers to have certainty, not doubt, about their eternal life. When we truly have the Son, we have abundant life both now and forever.