The Letters of the Apostle John - THIS ISSUE'S THEME: NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANITY - The Gospel Herald
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NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANITY
Vol. 83, No. 6 TORONTO, ONTARIO June, 2018
Statue depicting the Apostle John in the atrium of St. Paul’s Basilica, in Rome, Italy.
THIS ISSUE’S THEME:
The Letters of the Apostle John
The Aging Apostle John – Truth Warrior
Geoffrey Ellis
T
he effort to understand and early in Trajan’s rule, perhaps in writer and respect him as an apos-
live the pure faith of the New AD 98. Thus it is possible that John tle of the Lord Jesus: he address-
Testament was not unique ministered in this region for over es them as “dear children”—2:1,
to the Restoration Movement of thirty years. It is in this setting that 12, 18, 28; 3:7, 18; and as “dear
the 19th century, nor to the Refor- we consider the import of John’s friends”—2:7; 3:21; 4:1. This writ-
mation of the 16th century, nor to three “Letters.” ing is more a “circulating sermon”
similar efforts spread over the in- Churches in Ephesus and the than a typical letter, to be shared
tervening centuries. The New Tes- surrounding province of Asia had by many believers throughout the
tament itself is the first “restora- their beginning earlier, in the min- province of Asia.
tionist” document. The competition istry of the apostle Paul in AD 54- 2nd and 3rd John are truly let-
of truth and error is a major theme 56. During this time, “All the Jews ters in form, with the writer iden-
of the New Testament. Every book, and Greeks who lived in the prov- tified, although obliquely, in both
with the one exception of Philemon, ince of Asia heard the word of the as “the elder,” and the recipients,
refers to this challenge, including Lord” (Acts 19:10). John thus in- although in veiled terms, as “the
at least 50 significant passages. herited a growing, thriving region- chosen lady and her children,” and
Late in the first century the al church to serve and to lead. The “my dear friend Gaius,” respec-
Apostle John is in his 80’s, the only “seven churches in the province of tively. The use of “the elder” (ho
apostle remaining alive, living and Asia” to whom John addressed the presbuteros) suggests several pos-
serving in Ephesus and the sur- Revelation (Rev. 1:4), and who re- sibilities: an understood familiar-
rounding province of Asia—active- ceived their Lord’s personal assess- ity on the part of the readers as to
ly leading as an elder and an apos- ment (Rev. 2, 3), identify the major the writer’s identity; a modesty on
tle. His three letters written in that churches in the region—Ephesus, the part of the writer who avoids
location, 1st, 2nd and 3rd John, are Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sar- naming himself (cf. John’s Gospel);
gems of restorationist emphasis! dis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea— acceptance by the writer of his ad-
John is indeed the Truth Warrior! churches for which John would vanced age—acknowledging the
John moved to Ephesus possi- have concern and responsibility. It respect it deserves; and the role it
bly before AD 70. (Some point to has been suggested that the order identifies of one who shepherds the
the flight from Jerusalem urged of the list given in Revelation repre- flock. “Chosen lady” can be prop-
upon his followers by Jesus, “When sents a postal circuit that a courier erly understood as a euphemism
you see Jerusalem surrounded by would follow and that these in turn for a congregation, whose “chil-
armies...flee to the mountains” would be communication centers dren” are her individual members
(Luke 21:20-21); this happened from which secondary messages (cf. “church,” ecclesia, is feminine
when the Roman armies first came could be sent out. One researcher in the New Testament (NT) origi-
in AD 66.) At Ephesus he composed identifies 37 churches ultimately in nal language; “you” in the text of
his Gospel. John was imprisoned this region. We can imagine cop- 2nd John directed to the “lady” is
for his faith during the persecution ies of John’s “1st John,” spreading consistently plural in 6 (2), 8 (4), 10
of emperor Domitian at about AD throughout the region and shared (2), 12 (2); and see 1 Pet. 5:13 re:
95 on the nearby island of Patmos repeatedly, and letters 2nd and 3rd “election”). This veiled language
where he was given the Revela- being directed to a specific con- breathes of the dangers faced by
tion by Jesus (Rev. 1:9). Tradition gregation and a person in that re- believers in this time.
reports John’s return from impris- gion, or possibly both letters to one It has been surmised that the
onment to Ephesus at the reign of location! length of these two letters may
emperor Nerva in AD 96. He died John does not identify himself have been determined in part by
nor the recipients in 1st John, as what could be included on one
was the practice in letters of that sheet of papyrus. These are the
NOTICE: era. However, John’s message is shortest writings in the NT, the
All materials for publication must filled with references to his “writ- 2nd with 245 words, and the 3rd
be in the hands of the editors by ing”—2:1, 7, 8, 12, 13 (3), 14 (2), with 219. These two letters are
the tenth (10th) day of the month 21, 26; 5:13. Also, John writes possibly the last of the NT docu-
preceding the date of issue. Date of comfortable in the confidence that ments to have been written. They
issue is the first of each month. he knows to whom he is writing are not to be minimized because
and his readers know him as the of their brevity. Rather, along with
June 2018 Page 2 Gospel Herald
1st John, they are to be valued for Next, John contradicts the lie of God, because many false prophets
their final message given in in- Docetism/Gnosticism, i.e. man is have gone out into the world. This
spired teaching—beware of apos- not guilty of sin, only of ignorance is how you can recognize the Spirit
tasy, teach the truth! of righteousness. “If we claim to be of God: Every spirit that acknowl-
It is absolutely breathtaking to without sin, we deceive ourselves edges that Jesus Christ has come
consider how quickly Satan acted and the truth is not in us” (see 1:5- in the flesh is from God, but every
and how strategically focused he 10). Christ is the atoning sacrifice spirit that does not acknowledge
was in attacking the core truth of for our sins, “also for the sins of Jesus is not from God. This is the
Christianity—i.e. that the divine the whole world” (2:2). If Jesus’ spirit of the antichrist, which you
presence was only a mirage, there heard is coming and even now is
Word of God took on flesh, lived
would be no real example of righ- already in the world” (4:1-3).
among us in perfection as Jesus,
i.e. “Savior,” died physically on teousness to follow, i.e. “the truth This heresy is also the central
the cross as God’s “Lamb,” was seen in him” (2:8). issue identified by John in his sec-
raised back to life, ascended to Then John clearly identifies the ond letter: “Many deceivers, who
God’s throne where he rules heav- false teaching that is circulating do not acknowledge that Jesus
en and earth with “all authority.” and its proponents: “Dear children, Christ has come in the flesh, have
Not so, the Liar said: the material this is the last hour; and as you have gone out into the world. Any such
world and its creatures are essen- heard that the antichrist is com- person is the deceiver and the an-
tially evil; Christ could not partake ing, even now the antichrists have tichrist” (2 Jn. 7). John’s third let-
of this evil; he only appeared to come” (2:18). “Who is the liar? It ter does not specifically identify the
be human; he only seemed to die is the man who denies Jesus is the heresy of Docetism. Yet the shock-
physically on the cross. This was Christ. Such a man is the antichrist ing denigration of John and re-
all a mirage! “Docetism” (dokesis, jection of the evangelists who are
who denies the Father and the
“an apparition”) was spread in its circulating throughout the region
Son” (2:23-24). “Dear friends, do
incipient form in the first century by one named Diotrephes, points
not believe every spirit, but test the
to become a widespread heresy by to one who can be readily identi-
spirits to see whether they are from
the second, and was an fied as one of these “de-
important plank of Gnos- ceivers.” He “loves to be
ticism (cf. Marcionism of A Commitment to Care first, will have nothing to
the mid-second century). do with us...and gossip-
Docetism is the central is- ing maliciously about us.
sue of these three letters Not satisfied with that, he
of John. They should be refuses to welcome the
studied in tandem, identi- brothers. He also stops
fying this error that must those who want to do so
be opposed, and the glo- and puts them out of the
rious truth that must be church” (3 Jn. 9-10).
heralded! Three writings, one ad-
John opens his first dressed to churches in the
writing with a ringing af- region, one addressed to
firmation of the human a specific church in the
nature of Jesus Christ: area, and one addressed
who was eternal yet be- to an individual. All em-
came human, i.e. “That phasize truth in opposition
which was from the begin- to error: expose the evil;
ning,” was seen, heard, restore the truth. The sec-
and touched by John, “the ond and third letters con-
Word of life.” Three times clude with John’s promise
in these first three verses Consider a gift that supports Dementia Care to come and personally
John says, “we have seen Donations • Asset Transfers • Will Bequests address these issues, “face
him!” Even now, “Our fel- to face!” The apostle John,
Contact Information:
lowship is with the Father 234 Cook St, Barrie, ON L4M 4H5 venerably old, but a war-
and his Son, Jesus Christ”
www.groveparkhome.on.ca rior for the truth!
lindam@groveparkhome.on.ca 705-627-2218
(1 Jn. 1:1-4.) Waterloo, Ontario
June 2018 Page 3 Gospel Herald
“right words” that might come from the preacher, they
were the real words coming from an authentic Christian.
John wasn’t just telling us to “buck up” and hang in. He
An Authentic Disciple was reminding us where the genuine power to change our
lives comes from. He knew by experience.
Wayne Turner
In his gospel, John wrote that “as many as have received
H
ave you ever heard someone speak- him, Jesus gave power to become the sons of God.” In the
ing and realized they were saying religious world, this has become a mindless platitude, a
the “right” words, yet felt that some- substitute “plan of salvation.” John intended something far
how, the words were not genuine. Many of more dynamic. Jesus gives transformational power to his
us have had this experience while hearing followers. Jesus creates change for us and in us. Through
a politician. After all, many people do not Him, we become something completely different from
believe politicians can be believed or trust- what we were before. John knew that from his experience
ed. Similarly, we hear people express their with Jesus.
love, yet wonder if that means they want to make an un- Jesus said that a tree would be known by its fruit. John
dying profession of loyalty, or if this is a manipulative tool is one of those early disciples whose fruit we can examine.
to gain their own selfish purposes. In the religious com- We know that he spent the later years of his life in the
munity, we have heard of well-known “evangelists” who Province of Asia. Among those he taught and discipled, ac-
have garnered large followings who have been wooed by cording to tradition, was Polycarp – a highly respected el-
the appearance of sincerity, only to later be shown to be der in Smyrna in the second century. Reading the accounts
insincere and hypocritical. Words themselves mean little of Polycarp, and his writing, and later his martyrdom, we
without the proof of consistent action. can see the effects of his teacher, John. Polycarp was a
The apostle John deserves our attention as a demonstra- great man of faith, character and love. John was authentic,
tion of the change that can be made in a person’s life by not just spouting the right words, but living those words.
Christ, and of the genuine example and influence they can John has shared his teaching with the church through the
have. When we first meet John, his brother, James, and ages through his gospel, letters and book of Revelation.
their fishing partners, Peter and Andrew, they are simple, This issue of the Gospel Herald is focused on sharing
Galilean fishermen. They were hardened by years of toil- from the letters of John. Though small compared with most
ing in the sun, and sometimes unproductive ventures. of the other books in the New Testament, they are rich in
When James and John went to follow the call of Jesus, teaching. We see John’s concern for genuine love between
they left their responsibilities with their father. Shortly, it Christians, and the danger created by false teachers. We
seems, their characters became known. Jesus called them thank Paul Birston for organizing this very worthwhile is-
“sons of thunder” a term that seems to suggest they were sue, and the brethren who have written for it.
hot-tempered. When Jesus was refused entry by a Samari-
May we be as authentic in following Jesus as John.
tan village, they wanted to call down fire and obliterate the
village. They were among the apostles arguing who was
greatest, meaning who should be most privileged and pow- GOSPEL HERALD
erful in the kingdom. In short, we might say, that during Published Monthly by the Gospel Herald Foundation, a non profit
corporation, for the Promotion of New Testament Christianity
Christ’s ministry, they might well be identified as the dis- — FOUNDED BY ROBERT SINCLAIR, 1936 —
ciples needing the most work, the ones who were furthest CO-EDITORS
from the character of the Master. Had John written his Editorial Editor – Wayne Turner
Theme Edition Editor – Paul Birston
gospel and letters during the life and ministry of Jesus, we Managing Editor – Max Craddock
might well wonder how real he was. He certainly said the ASSOCIATE EDITORS
right words, but did he mean them, and did he live them. Edwin L. Broadus, Burlington, ON Marion Waugh, Edmonton, AB
Eugene C. Perry, Beamsville, ON Tim Johnson, Barrie, ON
As Jesus approached the end of his ministry and earthly Barbara Lewis, Spokane, WA Peter Morphy, Royal Oak, MI
life, something appears to have happened to John (seen Walter Straker, Calgary, AB Don Hipwell, Fenwick, ON
Harold Bruggen, Welland, ON Virginia Hipwell, Fenwick, ON
even more many years later when he did write his account Geoffrey H. Ellis, Waterloo, ON Kevin Cleary, Meaford, ON
of the life of Jesus, his letters and Revelation). In his gos- Layout/Design - Stephen Gill
The inclusion of articles, advertisements and church directory listings does not in every case imply
pel, the desire for self-promotion has given way to humil- complete endorsement by the Editors of either source or content.
ity. Even when he is a primary person in a story, John does Send teaching articles to Wayne Turner, 45 Millfield Drive, Winnipeg, MB R2M 2N9
not mention himself by name – he only styles himself as the (204) 257-7926 E-mail:
“disciple whom Jesus loved.” He focuses on the character Send advertising and subscription information to
Max Craddock, PO Box 338 Clarksburg PO, Clarksburg, ON N0H 1C0
and unity Jesus wants in his disciples, ultimately earning Phone: 416-706-5633 E-mail: maxc@strathmorecofc.ca
the designation as the “disciple of love.” So, when John NOTICE—All materials for publication must be in the hands of the editors by the tenth (10) day
encourages struggling Christians, “greater is he who is in of the month preceding the date of issue. Date of issue is the first of each month.
“Publications Mail Agreement Number 4000 5401”
you than he who is in the world,” these are not merely Indexed by Restoration Serials Index
the empty platitudes that people sometimes offer, or the Subscription PDF $12 per year
June 2018 Page 4 Gospel Herald
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June 2018 Page 5 Gospel Herald
God’s Character and Our Sanctification
IN JOHN’S THREE LETTERS
Paul Birston
F
or John, our sanctification (be- say that we have not sinned, we make dren of God, and it has not appeared
coming holy) is deeply rooted Him a liar and His word is not in us” as yet what we will be. We know that
in God’s character. John high- (1:8-10). Walter Bauer’s lexicon adds when He appears, we will be like Him,
lights at least seven of God’s wonder- to our understanding of confession: It because we will see Him just as He
ful attributes involved in sanctifying is “to concede that something is fac- is. And everyone who has this hope
us: He is light, faithful, righteous, tual or true.” fixed on Him purifies himself, just as
pure, love, truth and life. “God is God’s faithfulness makes Him com- He is pure” (3:2-3). God purifies us to
light and in Him there is no darkness pletely worthy of our trust. We have prepare us to see Him.
at all” (1 John 1:5). “He is faithful” confidence that His standards are the
(1:9). “He is righteous” (1:9; 2:29). Love
highest and best. When we fall short
“He is pure” (3:3). “God is love” (4:8, He will help us get up and keep up. “If God’s sanctifying love comes
16). “The Spirit is the truth” (5:6). you know that He is righteous, you through Jesus’ sacrifice for our sin:
“This is the true God and eternal know that everyone also who prac- “In this is love, not that we loved God,
life” (5:20). tices righteousness is born of Him” but that He loved us and sent His Son
(2:29). “Little children, make sure no to be the propitiation for our sins”
Light (4:10).
one deceives you; the one who prac-
Jesus said, “I am the light of the tices righteousness is righteous, just Sanctification also comes through
world” (John 8:12; 9:5). As we walk as He is righteous” (3:7). loving others: “The one who loves his
in God’s Light Jesus’ blood cleans-
brother abides in the light and there
es us: “And this is the message we Pure is no cause for stumbling in him”
have heard from Him and announce God is pure. God’s sanctifying Spirit (2:10).
to you, that God is Light, and in Him and Christians’ self-purification to-
there is no darkness at all. If we say gether transform us into the likeness The sanctifying perfection of God’s
that we have fellowship with Him and of Christ: “Beloved, now we are chil- love in the Christian comes from keep-
yet walk in the darkness, we ing His word, remaining in
lie and do not practice the Him, and walking as Jesus
truth. If we walk in the Light did: “But whoever keeps His
as He Himself is in the Light, word, in him the love of God
we have fellowship with one has truly been perfected. By
another, and the blood of Je- this we know that we are in
sus His Son cleanses us from Him: the one who says he
Not sure if your abides in Him ought himself
all sin” (1:5-7). God cleanses
us from sin initially and con-
church insurance to walk in the same manner
tinually. The ultimate sphere policy is giving you as He walked” (2:5-6).
in which we live is God’s light the coverage Truth
which encompasses His es- you need?
sence, presence, domain, Jesus’ prayer in John’s
ethical teachings and com- Gospel highlights truth as a
mands based on his charac- vital agent in our sanctifica-
ter. Brokerforce Insurance is committed to offering tion: “‘Sanctify them in the
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He is “faithful and righ- I sanctify Myself, that they
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teous,” “If we say that we over 45 years of experience and a growing list sanctified in truth’” (John
have no sin, we are deceiv- of restoration churches we are serving.
ing ourselves and the truth 17:17-19).
is not in us. If we confess Call or Visit for a Free Quote Today! Second John emphasizes
our sins, He is faithful and God is the source of “the
righteous to forgive us our 1.800.263.9870 truth which abides in us and
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all unrighteousness. If we John 2). “I was very glad to
June 2018 Page 6 Gospel Herald
find some of your children walking in which you received from Him abides Sanctification takes practice. Walk-
truth, just as we have received com- in you, and you have no need for any- ing in God’s light means practicing
mandment to do from the Father” (2 one to teach you; but as His anointing the truth, doing what God says, lov-
John 4). “For I was very glad when teaches you about all things” (1 John ing Him and one another. For John
brethren came and testified to your 2:20, 27a)…you abide in Him. “walking” encompasses the entire
truth, that is, how you are walking sphere of life, how we behave and
in truth. I have no greater joy than
Life
conduct our affairs.
this, to hear of my children walking In the beginning and ending of his
in the truth” (3 John 3-4). According first letter John highlights the central Conclusion
to Bauer John’s joy is, “a state of hap- importance of eternal life, “concern-
John emphasizes that the charac-
piness and well-being” to “rejoice, ing the Word of Life - and the life was
ter of the sanctified Christian comes
be glad,” “to a high degree, exceed- manifested, and we have seen and
from the fundamental attributes of
ingly.” Joy is a positive result of God’s testify and proclaim to you the eter-
God who is light, faithful, righteous,
sanctifying truth. nal life, which was with the Father
pure, love, truth and life.
and was manifested to us” (1:1b-2).
Sanctification comes from walking It is “Him who is true; and we are Sanctification is an on going practi-
in the truth of God’s commandments: cal walk with God in His light and the
in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus
“And this is love, that we walk ac- truth of His Word. We set our sights
Christ. This is the true God and eter-
cording to His commandments. This on the eternal horizon of hope in
nal life” (5:20). John’s central pur-
is the commandment, just as you
pose is to affirm we have eternal life Christ (1 John 3:3) which inspires us
have heard from the beginning, that
now, “These things I have written to to be like Him now.
you should walk in it” (2 John 6); “By
you who believe in the name of the Becoming holy is possible because
this we know that we love the chil-
Son of God, so that you may know of the cleansing blood of Christ, the
dren of God, when we love God and
that you have eternal life” (5:13). power of His indwelling Spirit, living
observe His commandments. For this
This life sets us apart (sanctifies us)
is the love of God, that we keep His in the Word of Truth and cooperating
for God eternally.
commandments; and His command- with God in practicing righteousness,
ments are not burdensome” (1 John Guarding & Practicing truth, and love for one’s brothers and
5:2-3). God’s commandments flow di- Our Sanctification sisters. Walking with God in His holi-
rectly from His character: love, holi- ness requires diligence, fortitude and
John ends his first letter with a fur-
ness, justice, mercy... endurance to overcome the devil,
ther instruction regarding sanctifica-
Obedience to God is a way of life. to keep one’s self from idols, and to
tion: “Little children, guard yourself
Those who obey God are victorious: keep oneself firmly rooted in the love
from idols” (5:21). The first century
“For whatever is born of God over- and fellowship of God: Father, Son,
world was full of idols. The twenty-
comes the world; and this is the victo- and Holy Spirit.
first century world has many tempt-
ry that has overcome the world - our ing idols of its own. Winnipeg, Manitoba
faith” (1 John 5:4). “Beloved, do
not imitate what is evil, but what
is good. The one who does good is
of God; the one who does evil has
not seen God” (3 John 11).
In his second letter, John ex-
horts Christians to remain in the
true teaching: “Watch yourselves,
that you do not lose what we have
accomplished, but that you may
receive a full reward. Anyone
who goes too far and does not
abide in the teaching of Christ,
does not have God; the one who
abides in the teaching, he has
both the Father and the Son” (2
John 8-9).
God’s anointing of the Holy Spir-
it teaches us truth: “But you have
an anointing from the Holy One,
and you all know…the anointing
June 2018 Page 7 Gospel Herald
“God Is Greater Than Our Heart”
1 JOHN 3:19-20
Edwin Broadus
T
he final arbiter of our conduct We do well, then, to properly edu- cleansed from all sin by the blood
and beliefs is never what our cate our conscience and to develop of Jesus (1:7).
own heart, or conscience, tells the right habits of the heart, so that To those whose hearts still con-
us is right or wrong. Many people when we act in keeping with our con- demn them, John tells us, in 3:16-
do not understand this, and we hear science we are also acting in keeping 24, how we can “know we are of the
people say, “Follow your heart.” For with God’s will. We also do right to truth and assure our heart before
some this means, “Follow your de- warn others that “there is a way that him.” We can know this by keep-
sires,” while to others it somewhat seems right to a man, but its end is ing his commandments and by his
more appropriately means, “Do the way to death” (Proverbs 16:26). Spirit whom he has given us (3:22-
what you believe is right.”
But John, in our text, is not con- 24). John identifies these command-
It is true that the best any of us cerned with those whose hearts tell ments as believing in God’s Son, Je-
can do at any given time is what them that it is right to do something sus Christ, and loving one another.
we believe to be right. This is why that Scripture says is wrong. Rather, Over and over in this letter, John
the Bible unequivocally warns us, he is concerned with those whose emphasizes believing in Jesus Christ
not only to avoid going against our hearts condemn them when God ap- (2:22-23; 4:1-3; 4:15; 5:1; 5:4; 5:10-
own conscience but also caus- 12; 5:20) and loving one an-
ing others to go against theirs. other (2:9-11; 3:11-15; 4:7-11;
He said that he wrote what is in
To some who thought it was 4:20-21; 5:1-2). We put our faith
the letter so that “you may know in Jesus, not only as God’s Son,
wrong to eat some or all kinds
of meat, Paul wrote, “Whoever
that you have eternal life” but also as the Christ, or Mes-
has doubts is condemned if he siah (2:22) and as the one who
eats, because the eating is not from proves them. He is writing for the became flesh (4:2). It is through love
faith [conviction]. For whatever does benefit of sensitive souls who feel that we become like God, for “God is
not proceed from faith [conviction] guilty when they should not feel this love” (4:8, 16).
is sin” (Romans 14:23). In the same way and consequently doubt their We also know that we have God
context, he says that even though all salvation. While it is right for every- within us by his Spirit whom he has
food is clean, it is not only “unclean one to be sensitive to the reality of given us (3:24; cf. 4:13). John says
for the person who thinks it is un- sin his life, it is also right and com- little more in this letter about the
clean” (14:14), but it is also wrong forting to be aware of God’s forgive- Spirit, perhaps because his readers
“to make another stumble by what ness. A key message in John’s first already knew that God had given
he eats” (14:20). letter is that those with faith in Jesus them his Spirit. Paul tells us more
about the significance of the Spirit
But just because we believe some- and love for one another can know
that they are saved. He said that he within us, telling us that “the Spirit
thing is either right or wrong does
wrote what is in the letter so that himself bears witness with our Spirit
not mean that this is the case. Paul
“you may know that you have eter- that we are children of God, and if
said, “I am not aware of anything
nal life” (1 John 5:13). children then heirs – heirs of God
against myself, but I am not thereby
and fellow heirs with Christ” (Ro-
acquitted. It is the Lord who judges This assurance does not come
mans 8:16-17).
me” (1 Corinthians 4:4). This is why because we are sinless, but be-
it mattered little to him if he was cause we are forgiven by the blood Keeping God’s commandments to
judged by the Corinthians or by a of Christ. John makes it clear at believe in his Son and to love one
human court, and he did not even the very beginning of his letter, “If another, along with recognizing his
judge himself (1 Corinthians 4:3- we say we have no sin, we deceive Spirit within us, enables us to know
4). He said on another occasion, “I ourselves, and the truth is not in what God already knows about our
have lived my life in all good con- us” (1:8). But he also says, in the heart. When we understand this,
science up to this day” (Acts 23:1), very next verse, that if we own up we live, not in fear and doubt, but
which embraced the time when, as to our sins “he is faithful and just to with confidence that we are accept-
he told King Agrippa, “I myself was forgive us our sins and to cleanse ed by him and that our prayers are
convinced that I ought to do many us from all unrighteousness.” This heard. Praise God, who “is greater
things in opposing the name of Je- wonderful promise is given to than our heart” and does not con-
sus of Nazareth” (Acts 26:9). During those who “walk in the light, as he demn us, even when we mistakenly
that time, his conscience was not a [God] is in the light” and who thus condemn ourselves.
safe guide. have fellowship with God and are Burlington, Ontario
June 2018 Page 8 Gospel Herald
ONE DAY
LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP
Sponsored by:
Clearview Christian Camp
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Evertt W. Huffard, PhD
Professor of Leadership and Missions
Harding School of Theology
1000 Cherry Rd, Memphis, TN 38117
901-432-7739 ehuffard@hst.edu
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“LEADING BY CONSENSUS”
“HEALTHY ASSESSMENT”
“SHEPHERDING SKILLS”
WHEN? Monday, August 6, 2018
10:00 a.m. Registration. $25.00. Coffee
10:30a.m.-12:30 p.m. First Session.
12:30-1:00 p.m. Lunch Provided.
1:00-3:00 p.m. Second Session.
WHERE? Moose Mountain Church of Christ #1 Christina Street, Kenosee Lake.
All men and women interested in leading someone else are welcome!
To assist with planning please indicate your commitment to attend by July 25, 2018. Mail to John
McMillan, Box 299, Kenosee Lake, SK S0C 2S0 or email carolynmcmillan8@hotmail.com or
phone/text John 306-575-3271.
June 2018 Page 9 Gospel Herald
Godly Love
(1 JOHN 4:7 – 21)
Shawn Edward Leblanc
T
he apostle John often wrote who have obeyed the gospel are re- Son, that whoever believes in Him
about the love of God. Since cipients of the love of God found in shall not perish but have eternal life.”
he was known as “the apostle Christ Jesus. God did not save us simply because
of love” and “the disciple whom Je- He loved us so much, as if He could
sus loved,” this should come as no
Love Began with God (4:11)
not help Himself because He was
surprise. Throughout the letter of 1 God loved us and we are under
overwhelmed by love. It was a choice
John, the apostle wanted his Chris- obligation to love one another. Now
He decided to make. He chose to love
tian audience to be reassured that some people believe that the Greek
us and He chose to show us that love
they are saved, that they can KNOW word translated as so is used to de-
through His Son.
that they are saved. In one section of scribe quantity, thus reading it as
this letter, he went to great lengths “He loved us so much.” However, Love Accomplishes its
to talk about the love of God and he the Greek word used is an adverb of Intended End when We Love
covered many important points. manner and is describing the manner One Another (4:12)
in which He loved, not the amount.
Love Comes from God “Dear friends, since God so loved us, It proves that the love of God is in
(4:7-8) i.e., loved us in this way, in this man- us. God’s love is made complete. It
ner, we also ought to love one anoth- has matured, became mature. We
God has shown His love to us. er.” In what way, in what manner did develop and make mature our love
Love is an important characteristic God show his love for us? He showed for God as we love one another more
of God. It is part of who He is. God it by sending Jesus to earth to be an and more.
asks us and commands us to love atoning sacrifice for our sins. This
one another. Love is not just some- God Shared His Love
Greek word is used in the same way
thing we are supposed to do because in John 3:16: “For God so loved the
when He Allowed His Spirit
we have become Christians. Love world that He gave His one and only to Live in Us (4:13)
should become part of who
John was using language
we are. “Whoever does not
these Christians would
love does not know God”
(4:8). The Greek verb trans-
lated as love is present ac-
LaSalle Church of Christ have understood (Romans
5:5). The Spirit is the in-
ner witness (Rom. 8:16).
tive which means it would Established Niagara Falls, New York congregation,
“We KNOW that we live in
have been better translated without elders, is seeking full time pulpit minister. Him…” John wanted them
as “Whoever does not con- We are an older congregation of 50+ members to have confidence in this
tinue to love does not know striving to serve the Lord and our community. knowledge.
God, because God is love.” The congregation prefers a married man with a
Christians have been intro-
minimum of 8 years’ experience and a four year
God’s Love Came
duced to the ultimate and to Us through Jesus
divine love when they have Bible degree who will help us focus on:
(4:14-16a)
responded to the gift of ✦ ministry, evangelism and
love, God’s grace. John pointed out that he
multi-media outreach
was a witness and testified
God Showed Us ✦ understanding and application that Jesus was the Savior of
What Love Looks Like of Biblical principles the world. These Christians
(4:9-10) could trust in the testimony
✦ developing spiritual gifts for of one who was with Jesus. If
The nature of love is self- personal and church growth they would continue to be-
sacrifice (John 3:16; 1 John ✦ relating to all ages lieve that Jesus truly is the
3:16). God didn’t show any Son of God, God would con-
favoritism when He sent Please send resume, video/audio CD, or link along tinue to dwell in them and
Jesus, His Son, to die on with a personal philosophy of ministry no later His love would be with them.
the cross for the sins of the than June 1, 2018 to LaSalle church of
world. It was not for cer- God Is Love
Christ, Minister Search Committee, c/o Dailey,
tain people, a special se- 4704 Stacey Dr., Lewiston NY 14092
(4:16a-17)
lect group. The gospel was In 2 John, verse 6, John
and is for all people. We mentioned walking in love.
June 2018 Page 10 Gospel HeraldIt should be habitual. It should be
second nature for us. We should live
a life of loving others. If we are living
a love-saturated life, then God lives Articles for this page or reactions to it should be sent to
in us and we in God. God is love and Max Craddock, Editor, PO Box 338 Clarksburg PO, Clarksburg, ON N0H 1C0,
we should imitate our God! Phone 416-706-5633, e-mail
We must be careful not to hate and
let it blind us. This is very easy to do.
It is easier to hate than it is to love. Walking in the Light
Hating others is easy; we just have
A
to be selfish! Loving others is hard s I get older I come to ap- city has no need of sun or moon to
work. If we want to know what the preciate more and more the shine on it, for the glory of God gives
love of God looks like then we need to value of having light where it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. By
try to put 1 Corinthians 13:4 – 7 into I need to walk. Sometimes, not as its light will the nations walk, and
practice. It should become a habit for sure-footed as I seem to remember the kings of the earth will bring their
us. As John said in verse 17, in this that I once was, it is much easier glory into it, and its gates will never
way, love will become mature in us to move from one place to another be shut by day—and there will be
so we can have confidence on the day when I can clearly see where I am no night there” – Revelation 21:23-
Jesus returns for us because we have stepping. Being able to see the im- 25 (ESV), and “And night will be no
put God’s word, will and love into perfections that may cause one to more. They will need no light of lamp
practice. We will know we did what stumble is appreciated. or sun, for the Lord God will be their
He wanted us to because we made it Oh yes, and do I ever hate ice!! light, and they will reign forever and
a habit to love. We imitate the nature This past winter we had plenty ever” – Revelation 22:5 (ESV).
of God and become like Him when we of snow along with several freez- Of course, the same is true of the
love in this way. ing rain events. With the very cold entire godhead, Father, Son and Holy
No Fear in Love (4:18) temps, the ice was hard and very Spirit. During His ministry on earth,
slick. In Toronto, the winter before, Jesus spoke of this when He said, “I
Confidence gets rid of fear. We do
we had more or less normal winter am the light of the world. Whoever
not need to fear punishment and
weather for Toronto. One day, go- follows me will not walk in darkness
judgement if we are living a life of
ing to pick up my paper, the ice was but will have the light of life” – John
love. Perfect and mature love drives
gone, or so I thought. I think the only 8:12 (ESV). Since an important work
out fear. If we are loving each other
ice patch in Toronto, covered by in- of the Holy Spirit was the inspiration
the way God wants us to, we do not
nocent looking snow, was along my of the Word of God, He certainly has
have anything to fear because we
path and I stepped on it. After hit- a big part to play in our life of faith-
know we are doing what we are sup-
ting the ground, I looked around to ful service.
posed to.
see if anyone had seen me…and they Consider the following from the
We Love God Because He had! (Thankfully one of them offered Gospel Advocate Commentaries –
First Loved Us (4:19-21) to help me back to my feet ). That Epistles of Peter, John, and Jude:
God chose to love us and what He ice patch reminded me of how Satan “In 1 John 1:7, the verb ‘walk’ is
wants from us is to make a choice to works trying to fool us into thinking present active subjunctive, thus lit-
love Him back. He does not force it that the dangers he offers are re- erally, ‘If we keep on walking in the
out of us. He showed us what true ally not dangers at all. Rather, they light...’ It must be a continuing walk.
love looks like by accepting us with are opportunities for us to enjoy life And the blood of Jesus his Son cleans-
all our failures and all our sins, while here on earth without taking eth us from all sin. – This clause is
through the gospel, through the sac- thought for the future. coordinate with “we have fellowship
rifice of His Son. Perhaps this is one reason I relate one with another,” and is a statement
If we wish to love God, we must to the importance of the thoughts of of the means by which it is possible
also love our brothers and sisters in John, “But if we walk in the light, as for us to walk in the light. Thus, by
Christ. How can we love God, who he is in the light, we have fellowship walking in the light two results fol-
we cannot physically see, if we can- with one another, and the blood of low: (1) we have fellowship with each
not even love our brother or sister, Jesus his Son cleanses us from all other; (2) the blood of Jesus cleanses
who we can see face to face? God has sin” – 1 John 1:7 (ESV). us from all sin. Cleansing efficacy is
given us each other, the church, to An important characteristic of God thus attributed to the blood of Christ.
be able to put love into practice. May is that He is, by nature, light. Wher- Many important considerations fol-
we live a life of love and be like our ever He is there is light since it radi- low from this passage: (a) It is not
Great Creator!! ates from His very being. John, in his the mere example of Christ’s dying
Winnipeg, Manitoba description of heaven says, “And the that accomplishes our salvation; (b)
June 2018 Page 11 Gospel Heraldit is not simply the contemplation of leaving you an example, so that you Savior and King; Shaping our lives
his death which delivers us from the might follow in his steps. He commit- by His blessed example, Happy, how
guilt of sin; (c) it is not belief in the ted no sin, neither was deceit found happy, the songs that we bring.
moral implications of Calvary which in his mouth. When he was reviled, Verse 2: Pressing more closely to
produces the blessing; nor (d) faith in he did not revile in return; when he Him who is leading, when we are
the suffering of Christ on the cross. It suffered, he did not threaten, but tempted to turn from the way; Trust-
is the blood, the shed blood of the Son continued entrusting himself to him ing the arm that is strong to defend
of God, that cleanses us from sin. who judges justly. He himself bore us, Happy, how happy, our praises
Moreover, it cleanses from sin, not our sins in his body on the tree, that each day.
merely or solely the conscience, but we might die to sin and live to righ-
Verse 3: Walking in footprints of
sin, all sin, whether of thought, word, teousness. By his wounds you have
gentle forbearance, Footsteps of
or deed, rash sins, sins of ignorance, been healed” – 1 Peter 2:21-24 (ESV).
faithfulness, mercy and love; Look-
of malice, of omission or commission, Do not let God down. Determine that,
ing to Him for the grace freely prom-
sins of the flesh, sins of the disposi- with His help, you are going to “walk
ised, Happy, how happy, our journey
tion, sins of pleasure or of pain, sins with the Lord daily”.
above!
of every type and kind committed at In thinking about this walk, I am
any time or place”. Verse 4: Trying to walk in the steps
reminded of a song we used to sing
of the Savior, Upward, still upward
Truly, the God of heaven has giv- often during my youth and earlier
we’ll follow our Guide. When we
en us hope through His provision Christian walk. Like many mean-
shall see Him, “the king in His beau-
for eternal life by giving us a book ingful old songs this one has been
ty”. Happy, how happy, our place at
clearly describing His desire for us to dropped from our more “up to date”
His side!
be with Him forever. Not only did He hymn books. In view of our thoughts
give this information on the unfold- on “Walking in the Light” remember, Chorus: How beautiful to walk in
ing of His plan, he gave us a visual or hear for the first time and think the steps of the Savior, Stepping in
to help us across Satan’s minefield, about these words of the song, “Step- the light, Stepping in the light, How
Jesus His beloved Son. Peter reminds ping in the Light”. beautiful to walk in the steps of the
us, “ For to this you have been called, Savior, Led in paths of light!
Verse 1: Trying to walk in the steps
because Christ also suffered for you, of the Savior, Trying to follow our Amen.
The Thessalon , ON Church Andrea Des Groseilliers
Proprietor
of Christ is seeking applications for the
position of full time evangelist. Bookkeeping & Tax Preparation
Thessalon and area has a population of FOR THE PERSONAL TOUCH!
about 2,500 and is located on the north 81 Jefferson Ct. W. (905) 964-9887 Niagara
shore of Lake Huron, about one hour east Welland, ON (289) 799-2338 Hamilton
L3C 7G5 asharondes@cogeco.ca
of Sault Ste Marie.
Our congregation of about 70 members - Experienced - Pick up & drop off
wants to work with an enthusiastic and - Efile Available - Reasonable rates
dedicated individual in ministering to our
Church family and community. A three
Bookkeeping & Tax Preparation
bedroom house with a finished basement
FOR THE PERSONAL TOUCH!
is included.
Email applications to Look for me on Facebook!
rpm186nlr@yahoo.ca or phone asharondes@cogeco.ca
Roger Mulligan at 705-842-2933 “Andrea has filed Joyce’s and my income tax papers
the past several years promptly, effectively and cheerfully.
if you have any questions. No problems. I heartily recommend her services”
Ralph Perry
June 2018 Page 12 Gospel Herald4:9, 10). God’s love for us is the source
for our love. It is our example and our
motivation for loving one another.
Articles for this page or reactions to it should be sent to: “Beloved, let us love one another,
GHbywomen4women@aol.com for love is from God, and whoever
Virginia Hipwell, Editor loves has been born of God and knows
God” – 4:7 (ESV).
“Beloved, if God so loved us, we
Sibling Rivalry er. Other New Testament writers have
also pointed out our need to love our also ought to love one another” – 4:11
T
he noted hymn writer, Isaac brothers and sisters, but a large por- (ESV).
Watts, penned this poem about tion of this letter from John is devoted “We love because he first loved us”
sibling rivalry. to the topic of love. – 4:19 (ESV).
Whatever brawls disturb the street, In 1 John, the word love, in one form Such love is not optional. It is com-
There should be peace at home; or another, is used forty-three times. manded!
Where sisters dwell, and Lost to our English translations is that “This is the message you have
brothers meet, the Greek word used is agape which de- heard from the beginning: We should
Quarrels should never come. scribes the type of love God has for us love one another” – 3:11 (NLT).
Birds in their little nests agree; – a love which is sacrificial, unselfish, “This is how we know what love is:
And ‘tis a shameful sight, complete and which seeks the ultimate Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.
When children of one family good for the object of that love. Such And we ought to lay down our lives for
Fall out and chide and fight. love is the very nature of God so that our brothers” – 3:16 (NIV 1984).
Hard names at first, and threat’ning John says, “God is love” (4:8, 16). He “And this is his commandment: We
words did not say, “God is loving” but that God must believe in the name of his Son,
That are but noisy breath IS love! It is His essence and therefore Jesus Christ, and love one another, just
May grow to clubs and all that He does is imbued with love. as he commanded us” – 3:23 (NLT).
naked swords, God loves us even though we are un- “And he has given us this command:
To murder and to death. worthy of His love (Romans 5:8). His Those who love God must also love
The devil tempts one mother’s son love was demonstrated by sending His their Christian brothers and sisters”
To rage against another; Son to be our sacrifice for sin (1 John – 4:21 (NLT). See also: 4:7, 11 and 5:1.
So wicked Cain was hurried on
Till he had killed his brother.
The wise will make their anger cool,
At least before ‘tis night;
But in the bosom of a fool
It burns till morning-light.
Pardon, O Lord, our childish rage,
Our little brawls remove,
That as we grow to riper age
Our hearts may all be love.
Indeed, sibling rivalries have ex-
isted since the time of Cain and Abel.
Thankfully, most are not as tragic as
the one we read about in Genesis 4 and
often they do decrease as “we grow to
riper age” because our hearts do fill
with love. Unfortunately, even though
we are supposedly mature, there are
sometimes sibling rivalries among spir-
itual brothers and sisters.
In the missive we have titled 1 John,
the apostle emphasizes that there
should be no such rivalries among the
children in God’s family. John tells us
that we are to do more than just get
along or simply tolerate each other. We
are to truly and deeply love one anoth-
June 2018 Page 13 Gospel HeraldJohn repeatedly emphasized the fact
that our love for one another is intrinsi-
cally entwined with our love for God. He
makes several comparisons contrast-
ing those who love their brothers and
sisters and those who do not. Living in
light or in darkness. Is a child of God or
a child of the devil. Passed from death
to life or remains in death. Has been
born of God and knows God or does not
know God. Lives in God and God in him
or the love of God is not in him.
“Anyone who claims to be in the
light but hates his brother is still
in the darkness. Whoever loves his
John points out that true love is “Everyone who believes that Je-
brother lives in the light, and there is
shown through actions (3:16, 17) and sus is the Christ has become a child
nothing in him to make him stumble.
But whoever hates his brother is in that our love for one another demon- of God. And everyone who loves the
the darkness and walks around in the strates our love for God and marks us Father loves his children, too” – 5:1
darkness; he does not know where he as one of His children. (NLT). See also: 3:10 and 4:7.
is going, because the darkness has “If someone says, “I love God,” but Jesus said it this way, “So now I
blinded him” – 2:9-11 (NIV 1984). hates a Christian brother or sister, that am giving you a new commandment:
“This is how we know who the chil- person is a liar; for if we don’t love Love each other. Just as I have loved
dren of God are and who the children people we can see, how can we love you, you should love each other. Your
of the devil are: Anyone who does not God, whom we cannot see? And he has love for one another will prove to the
do what is right is not a child of God; given us this command: Those who world that you are my disciples” –
nor is anyone who does not love his love God must also love their Christian John 13:34, 35 (NLT).
brother” – 3:10 (NIV 1984). brothers and sisters” – 4:20, 21 (NLT). “If a believer does not love his or
“We know that we have her Christian brothers and
passed from death to life, be- sisters, who are God’s visible
cause we love our brothers. representatives, how can that
Anyone who does not love re- person possibly love the invis-
mains in death. Anyone who ible God? It is easy to claim
hates his brother is a murder- to love God when that love
er, and you know that no mur- doesn’t cost anything more
derer has eternal life in him. than weekly attendance at re-
This is how we know what ligious services. But the real
love is: Jesus Christ laid down test of a person’s love for God
his life for us. And we ought is how that person treats the
to lay down our lives for our people right in front of him
brothers. If anyone has mate-
or her—family members and
rial possessions and sees his
fellow believers. People can-
brother in need but has no
not truly love God while ne-
pity on him, how can the love
glecting to love their Chris-
of God be in him?” – 3:14-17
tian brothers and sisters as
(NIV 1984).
well”. – Life Application Con-
“Dear friends, let us con-
cise New Testament Commen-
tinue to love one another, for
tary (WORDsearch7 software).
love comes from God. Anyone
Sibling rivalry has no place in
who loves is a child of God
God family!
and knows God. But anyone
who does not love does not Pardon, O Lord, our
know God, for God is love” – childish rage,
4:7, 8 (NLT). Our little brawls remove,
“God is love, and all who That as we grow to riper
live in love live in God, and [spiritual] age
God lives in them” – 4:16b Our hearts may all be love.
(NLT). Virginia Hipwell
June 2018 Page 14 Gospel HeraldFor I Am Not Ashamed Of The Gospel
Romans 1:16 – For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is
the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who
believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
Cedar Park church of Christ
566 Simcoe St
St. North, Oshawa
Ladies Retreat
When: Saturday June 16
16, 2018
Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Registration:
ion: Please contact Melanie Harris 905
905-666
666-3212
(Lunch will be provided)
Speaker: Debra Hibbard (Strathmore Blvd. church of Christ)
Lesson1(am): For I Am Not Ashamed Of The Gospel
Lesson 2 (pm): Strategies For Sharing The Gospel
June 2018 Page 15 Gospel Heraldmemorizing 1 Corinthians 13. Chris the day. We pray God will continue
and Serenity Laprise received an to bless her daily. Jean Volcy, Isaac
award for their efforts. Persaud, and Trevor Shelley spent
Toronto (Bayview Ave.): On the two weeks in Haiti at the end of
fifth Sunday in April thirty gathered March and beginning of April. Their
by Harold Bruggen
for our regularly scheduled potluck trip was successful as they started
Church of Christ, Box 416
the classroom building project at
Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0 after service. We were pleased to
Email: Harold Bruggen at the orphanage, preached and taught
hbruggen@gmail.com have a number of visitors at wor-
the Word in street meetings, held
ship and for the potluck. The men
two gospel meetings and performed
at Bayview are serving communion
ONTARIO two weddings. They pronounced the
to our shut-ins as a new act of ser-
Fenwick: The men’s day at Fenwick trip both busy and rewarding – all
vice for the congregation. Myrtle
was unfortunately hampered by the glory to God. Moises Velasco has
Dale celebrated her 95th birthday
weather. As forecasted, an ice storm returned to the Philippines for the
on May 5.
hit making it impossible for several second year to spend three months
who had planned to attend to be Toronto (Strathmore Blvd): preaching and teaching. He plans
able to do so. Of the 60 that were A party was held at the church to return to Canada on July 31.
registered, 29 were able to come. building on Saturday, April 7, to (Next month watch for a report on
Leslie Williams presented thought- celebrate the birthday and life of his first such trip last year on the
ful and challenging lessons on the sister Elsie Gill. This was a very Mission Page.) A BIG THANK YOU
topic of “True Worship.” Our Young special celebration for Elsie as it to all who joined with Strathmore
Disciples Club visited the local sugar was for her 100th Birthday. A very to pray for and financially support
bush in March and had a movie night enjoyable time was had as many the continuing ministry of Key To
in April. They have been learning memories were shared and it was The Kingdom on Key Day, May 6.
lessons about love and kindness and a delight to see her enjoyment of In sending support please make
Family fun for July 8th
all ages 2018
Join us for Omagh Family Day
Bring a friend and kick off the 2018 camp season with us
@ Camp Omagh
3-5 PM Family Activities for the kids (bring a change of clothes)
5-6 Free BBQ (Free Will Donations accepted)
6-7:30 Join us for an evening of Singing
1014 Lower Baseline West, Milton ON
June 2018 Page 16 Gospel Heraldcheques payable to “Strathmore
The Carman church of Christ
Blvd. Church of Christ” with “Key”
on the memo line. On May 13,
Academic Dean and President of
Great Lakes Bible College, Dave
is looking for a full time Evangelist.
Knutson, made a presentation on Our congregation of approximately 85, is seeking a Godly man
behalf of the Bible College during true to the word who is willing to work under the direction
the adult Bible class period, and of the elders and interested in sharing the Gospel in this
presented a sermon during the
community. The candidate would be fully supported. Carman
morning worship. His presentation
on the work of the Bible College is a prosperous community located in southern Manitoba and
was interesting and encouraging. within an hour of Winnipeg. Please submit an application to
We are thankful for the good work Wayne Taylor phone number 204-745-0290.
being accomplished through Great Email wctoakview@gmail.com or mailing address
Lakes Bible College. Carman church of Christ Box 955 Carman MB R0G0J0.
Waterloo: We want to
welcome our new brother in
the Lord. Josiah Azzoparde
made the decision to put on
his Lord in baptism on Sun.
March 25. We rejoice with
the angels, his family and
with him.
Praise the Lord on
Monday, April 16 the
Kingdom received 4 new
lives! Marie Grimme’s
2 daughters (Emily and
Niagara Area Wide Worship
Sierra) along with her son During the month of June
(Jacob), and fiancée (Randy) (at 6:00 p.m.)
all committed their lives
through baptism. Their
June 3rd - Tintern Church of Christ
story reminds us of the jail-
er and his family in Acts 16.
4359 Spring Creek Rd., Vineland
Marie, Randy and Marie’s
three kids were all con- June 10th - Stoney Creek Church of Christ
victed after a Bible study. 105 King Street East, Stoney Creek
They decided that as soon
as the ice storm passed they June 17th - Father's Day!
needed to pledge their lives
to Christ. Monday evening
after further study, they June 24th - Grimsby Church of Christ
committed their lives and 164 Mountain Rd., Grimsby*
went on their way rejoicing.
We rejoice with Shirley
Ruttan who put on her
Lord and Saviour in bap-
tism Wednesday May 2. We
want to welcome all of our
new brothers and sisters in
*Please note new address
Christ to God’s family.
*Please note new address
June 2018 Page 17 Gospel HeraldYou can also read
