A great book retelling the true story of a peculiar friendship between the author and a psychopath.
1 Minute Book Review (Episode 07)| Blood Will Out by Walter Kirn
Space Debris
You find yourself living in what might seem like a field of space debris. For the last few generations, mankind has sought to find a locus for meaning outside of the Triune God. Darwin, Freud, and Marx have ushered in a fractured world. It is full of unelected bureaucrats ruling in tyranny and unrighteousness. The blood of the unborn cry out to the Lord from hospital dumpsters. We’re surrounded by a frenzy of sexual confusion & mutilation.
We have found what every godless culture from Babel to the Hitler’s Germany inevitable finds. The center will not hold if the center is not Christ.
As the bread is broken, and the wine is poured, God confronts you with the center of the universe. Here, on this simple table covered with a white tablecloth, in these baskets and tray, is the focal point of existence, the hope of eternity, the meaning of the material world, the answer to the questions, the rhyme & the reason. Christ died for you. Christ shed His blood for you. Christ plunged down into the swamp of death & depravity in order to resurrect mankind in Himself.
If you try to orbit any other focal point you will find, sooner or later, that you are flying off into the coldness of deepest space. But here is the Sun. Here is the warmth of God reconciled to man through Christ, and sealed to us by the Spirit. Here is an eternal weight of glory, with more than enough gravitational pull to hold all things in their place. And you, by grace, are invited to draw near to the center of it all.
The philosophies of men, the schemes of the wicked, the plots of the arrogant will only result in aimless drifting. But in Christ, all things find their proper orbit.
So come in faith and welcome to Jesus Christ…
Fighting Wild Beasts
One of the most cinematic moments of Scripture is when David tells Saul how God prepared him to defy the Giant who was defying the armies of the Living God. David tells Saul that as a shepherd boy, he had chased down lions and bears, grappled with them with his bare hands, and delivered the prey from the predator’s jaw.
One commentator points out that in Mark’s description of Jesus being led into the wilderness after His baptism, his likeness to David is alluded to in this way “And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts (Mar 1:13a).” Jesus, like His forefather David, endured without fear the wild beasts.
This becomes just one example of how Jesus came in defiance of all the dangers which had come to fill this fallen world of sin. But this isn’t just interesting Biblical observation, this is highly practical.
The Spirit of Christ now dwells in you. Christ-likeness then isn’t adopting a mousy & timid disposition. Instead, you spot the wild beasts who would harm the flock, and sprint toward them. Is there a good thing you’ve been putting off? Wait no more. Is there a sin weighing on your conscience which you need to confess? Don’t delay. That evangelistic opportunity you’ve been too insecure to try, go for it. That wickedness which you’ve been trying to turn a blind eye to, chase it down & break its jaws.
This is the family trait of those born of God, from David down to us, all because of David’s greater son Jesus. The power of God is at work in you. So then, by faith seek out righteousness & root up wickedness in your own heart, and in the world around you.
The mighty men of old were not daunted by the wild beasts. The Lord God endued them with the grace of His Spirit that they might win the victory. It is a great folly to treat those Old Testament stories as if they were quaint fables, when God gave them to us to instruct us in righteousness. God sent forth the Spirit to embolden and strengthen us to fight against all internal and external unrighteousness. Where we’ve permitted packs of wolves to roam free in our hearts, may God forgive us. Where we’ve been apathetic about the pride of lions devouring our families, may God forgive us. He trains our hands for war, even as we bend our knees to confess our sins to Him.
In all this remember that the Lord Jesus, great David’s greater Son, sent His Spirit to dwell in you and assure you that by His blood, and His blood alone you might be washed clean, and equipped to boldly face whatever fearful beast you may find either in your own heart or in this world.
3 John | When to Open Your Door
Introduction
In the short space of this letter, John gives us a vital tutorial in the contrast between friends & enemies of the Gospel. Many modern Christians have no category for what Jesus meant when He commanded us to love our enemies. Broadly speaking, we have no clue we have enemies, we fail to recognize those enemies, and we have no clue that loving them requires us to confront their errors (Cf. Eph. 5:11, 2 Jn. 11).
The Text
1 The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. 2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. 5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; 6 Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well: 7 Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. 8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth. 9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. 10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. 11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. 12 Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true. 13 I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee: 14 But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.
3 John
Summary of the Text
John’s greeting tells us that this is a personal letter to a beloved saint, Gaius (v1). This well loved friend was, from what is hinted in this letter, a wealthy man; he was able to host the gathering of the saints in his home. Gaius was robustly healthy spiritually, but much of the hospitality burden had fallen to him (due to the inhospitable actions of others). Accordingly, John wishes earthly prosperity & health to him, that he might continue to generously care for the traveling missionaries & saints (v2). This letter is a response to news which John received regarding how Gaius took to heart John’s earlier epistle; steadfast faith in the Gospel, and obedience to the commandments is a true source of joy for Christian leaders (vv3-4).
Gaius had been a joyful & generous host to an earlier delegation; likely the missionaries who had brought John’s earlier epistles (v5). Down to our own day, this charity is a witness of the godly generosity & hospitality of Gaius (v6). John requests that Gaius once more provide for these missionaries, who were tasked with delivering the current letter (v6b); this delegation were undertaking their ministry for “the name’s sake,” so they were not seeking financial/material support from the Gentiles to whom they were sent to evangelize (v7). John underscores a striking glory of Christian hospitality: by welcoming such saints with the sort of overflowing hospitality which Gaius had shown, we partake of their evangelistic ministry (v8).
The same could not be said of Diotrephes. He had shut his doors to John’s messengers, out of personal arrogance as well as affinity for Cerinthus’ teaching (v9). John assures the faithful saints that he will, if given the opportunity, come and confront Diotrophes for all his sins. These included his hostility to the truth which the Apostles taught, the inhospitable attitude he showed towards faithful ministers, and his power-play to forbid others to show hospitality under threat of expulsion from the church (v10). This, John explains, is evil and not good; and so sternly reminds Gaius and all who would read this letter, that our actions of good or evil are evidence of whether or not we have seen God (v11). In other words, you will know them by their fruit.
By contrast, Demetrius (presumably, the leader of the delegation John is sending) is commended for maintaining a good report of all men, and most importantly, Demetrius’ testimony holds up when measured against the truth. John adds his own amen to this testimony of Demitrius’ faithfulness, commending him to Gaius as a trustworthy ally (v12). The farewell once more indicates that while distance learning is better than nothing, it is inferior to face to face fellowship and teaching (vv13-14). After all, we are the ecclesia, the gathered. Where Diotrephes was stirring up contention, John blesses Gaius with an exclamation of Gospel peace. Friendships, old & new, are fostered and fortified. And, it might be observed, John reminds us that we should try to remember people’s names (v14).
Hospitality & Hostility
There’s a curious contrast between 2 John & 3 John. In 2 John, we find John commanding the Elect Lady to not show hospitality to false teachers, while in this letter he sternly rebukes Diotrephes for not showing hospitality, but commends Gaius for being a wonderful example of hospitality. Put this all together and you have a matrix for how to understand the duty of hospitality. Christians must not welcome false teachers into their homes/churches, but they ought to show hospitality to faithful saints. Those who maliciously close their doors to faithful Christians in need, while getting cozy with false teachers, are in need of sharp–even public–rebuke.
So then, it becomes evident that hospitality needs a backbone. It needs to be able to refuse hospitality to evil-doers & false teachers. Charity must not be blackmailed by manipulators. Hospitality isn’t an unqualified “yes” to anyone who comes knocking. Even in the OT we have this duty of welcoming the stranger, orphan, and widow, while giving no quarter to idolaters.
Gaius had manfully shouldered the burden of caring for faithful missionaries, while enduring Diotrephes’ mocking, manipulation, arrogance, and compromise. His doors were open to those who were living “for the Name’s sake”. While Diotrephes closed his doors, because he was concerned for his own name. This becomes a helpful litmus test for measuring someone’s character. Whose name is being exalted?
Dwelling with God, His Spirit Indwelling You
One of the central melodies of John’s writings is how Jesus the Son made it possible for you to dwell with God the Father, because God the Spirit dwells in you. Put simply, abiding in the doctrine of Christ (2 Jn. 9) assures the believer of their union with the Father. If Jesus was not the Son of God come in the flesh, then you don’t have union with the Father. God the Father gave us His Son, and in giving us His Son (who was fully God and fully man) He gives us Himself, and He gives us a new covenant head of humanity. This is the Divine Hospitality. If you trust in the Incarnate Christ, God draws you in. But if you deny the Son, you will face the Divine Hostility. Once more, John confronts us with a fork in the road: what of Jesus?
Now, this doctrine of fellowship with God is born out in our actions. Do we walk in paths of wickedness, or paths of righteousness? John brackets the evil deeds of Diotrephes with the virtuous example of Gaius & Demitrius. Dwelling in God, and God indwelling you, is only possible by Christ. Evildoers will be found railing against Christ, attempting to thwart others from obeying Christ, and welcoming those who reject Christ. This is the central evil of evil. Enmity to God and His Christ, and thus blaspheming His Spirit. But faithful saints, like the Elect Lady, Gaius, and Demitrius demonstrate what it is to abide in Christ and bear the good fruit of hospitality to what is good, and hostility to that which is evil.
One area of application of this is in the area of what entertainment, books, podcasts, and social media influencers you allow into your life. There is no shortage of voices out there who might resonate with you politically, or who are experts in some area of interest to you. Dwelling with God means that you do not welcome into your home or heart anything which will rebuild Satan’s war-machines (1 Jn. 3:6-9). In other words, you can’t live in two places at once, nor should you welcome into your midst any sort of profane & carnal thinking which the Rival Christ’s delight to dispense.
Have you seen God?
Here, as in all of Scripture, we have the glory of the Gospel. It isn’t our good works that reward us with a sight of God. Rather, if you’ve seen God you will bear good fruit. So, that raises the question, how does one see God? First, God must open your eyes and show Himself to you. He did this by giving us His Son. Jesus asserted this Himself when he told Philip, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father (Jn. 14:9)” Faith looks to Jesus. If you look to Jesus what do you see? There is all your righteousness. There is the One who suffered in your stead. There is glory. There is your eternal joy. There is your only way to the Father.
Charge & Benediction
The charge is this, be good, don’t be bad. And of course, the only way to be good, is to look to Jesus, throw wide the door of your life to Jesus, dwell in God and He in you. And then giving hospitality to wickedness in your home will be unthinkable.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, [be] with you all. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13:14 (KJV)
2 John | Stay the Course
Introduction
Sustaining success in any endeavor is easier said than done. When an skilled athlete goes through a slump, a good coach will make the player rehearse the fundamentals. A company can easily veer into all sorts of side projects that may be just fine on their own, but are a distraction from the main good or service the company was founded to deliver to its customers. Often, we need the gentle reminder to go back to the basics.
This brief letter from John shouldn’t be perceived as a loose page of Apostolic records which got stapled into the back of the Bible. It is no afterthought. Rather, the sense which this book of the Bible gives is that of a well loved uncle slipping silver dollars to his nieces & nephews. It is both personal and pastoral in its tone, while its content is simple, succinct, and robust.
The Text
The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth; For the truth’s sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever. Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full. The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.
2 John
Summary of the Text
John, the aged Apostle, writes to the Elect Lady & her children (v1). This seems to be a personal letter, although a case could be made that he is writing to a specific church and personifies it as a Mother & her children (Cf. Rev. 21:2, 9; Is. 45:1-7, Is. 62:2-5). More likely is that this is a particular woman, who perhaps hosted a church in her home. John greets these saints, expressing his love for them, this love is shared by all who’ve known the truth (v1). The Christian love expressed by John is to be a jewel in the crown of this indwelling and enduring truth (v2). The encouragements and warnings which will follow are set in the context of the Spirit’s work to give to us the grace, mercy, and peace which God sent His Son to procure for us (v3).
John is delighted to encourage this faithful Lady that he has recently met some of her children, and that they were walking in the truth according to the Father’s commandment (v4). This “well done” is followed by a “keep it up.” It is quite clear that John is reminding her of the content of His Gospel & earlier epistle; there’s no new doctrine here, loving one another has been the ethic of God’s people from the beginning (v5, Cf. Lev. 19:17-18). The love which God commands is a love that is loyal to His eternal truth (v6).
Now we come to some warnings. The early church faced no shortage of deceivers, not unlike our own time. While there is a surplus of deceivers, they all have the same boring doctrine in common: Jesus Christ hasn’t come in the flesh (v7). This requires believers to vigilantly “look to yourselves”, in order to not lose the great reward which awaits the faithful (v8). The dividing line in the world is between those who try to hurdle Jesus, and those who abide in Him. Those who abide in Christ’s doctrine have the Father & Son (v9). John’s lengthier first letter stresses how faith in Christ is our certainty of fellowship with the triune God.
This Christian hostess is exhorted to not show hospitality nor even a word of blessing to any such deceivers who seek entry to the body of saints who gathered in her house (vv10-11; Cf. 2 Tim. 3:6, 1 Tim. 5:13). John’s farewell notes that there’s a lot more to be said, but that “face to face” is better (here is a good prooftext for why live-streamed church is less than ideal). Covenant joy between the covenant family is a true glory & joy (vv12-13).
Truth & Love
Look back at this first section, and see how often we find “truth & love” walking hand in hand. One thing that is made plain is that the love of God is not at odds with the truth of God, and vice versa. Rather, walking in the truth is how we love one another. Living by lies is the quickest way to breed hate & contempt.
Truth is the framing, the love is the furniture. Truth is the bowl, the love is the warm meal it contains. Truth is the skeleton, love is the lifeblood. As Paul teaches, “Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law (Rom. 13:10).” Everything contained in God’s revelation leads us to two duties: loving God & loving our neighbor. But this love is not defined by mere pleasant sensations, but by truth. This is where the modern mantra, “Love is love” becomes a devouring blackhole.
The flip side is also needful. Discernment bloggers may have their five points of Calvinism ironed out, but how do they speak to their wife, how do they give their money to the poor, are their children well loved? Christ came as the incarnation of God’s love for us (1 Jn. 4:9-10), and yet the central glory of His coming was the revelation of grace and truth (Jn. 1:14). In Jesus was all the fulfillment of all the OT covenant promises, those mysteries which had been hidden in types and shadows, were now unveiled in the Incarnation of Christ in the flesh. God had come, as a man, to redeem man. Because of this truth, which holds forth our reconciliation with God through Jesus, there is now a way for us to dwell in love with each other. Sin has been dealt with, so now it need not be the operating system for our interactions with each other. Love comes from this Gospel truth.
Rival Christs
The background of John’s warning is principally the false teaching of Cerinthus. That rascal asserted that “the Christ/divinity” came upon Jesus the man at his baptism, deserting him upon the cross. This falsehood, if embraced, would leave you with an impotent Savior. Jesus would be reduced merely to a good example, not your representative & substitute.
There’s another insidious reality of this sort of false doctrine which we ought not overlook. Denial of Christ’s incarnation is never just a flat denial; rather, it always smuggles in a “Rival Christ”. If a mere man died on a tree, you have no fellowship with God. This leaves you to seek after some other additional pathway to the divine. Our Lord God, however, has called His church into fellowship with Himself through Christ alone. The Elect Lady has been betrothed to Christ. John wants the early church to cling to this identity as the New Israel of God, and not be seduced by any Rival Christs.
Progressing Past Jesus
The temptation which John is guarding us against is the temptation to embrace the false doctrine of “Jesus +”. This was clearly a problem in the early church with the various false teachers who were presenting Christ as a good “starting point” but insisting that there was greater illumination & knowledge to be had. Jesus was merely a step along the way, not the central point of it all.
This is still an allure for many professing Christians. They come to Jesus for some reason, but then begin insisting that true flourishing is found beyond Jesus. It’s in this diet. It’s in understanding this secret conspiracy which the world elite have hidden from you. It’s in sexual liberation. It’s in lifting weights, avoiding seed oils, being pronoun inclusive, checking your privilege, and on and on.
But Jesus is not a static reference point. You can’t treat Him as if He were merely the “you are here” dot on a mall map. He is far too great to be used as a starting point. He will not be confined. He will not be ignored. All attempts to go around Christ the Savior will inevitably still come face to face with Christ the King.
Jesus Only, Ever, Always
This is what it means to walk in the truth. God lavished His love upon You, in sending us His Son. Thus, Jesus is everything to you. Jesus in your waking and sleeping. Jesus in your work and rest. Jesus, ever, only, always. Don’t let this slip past you, John tells us what awaits those who diligently keep the faith: a full reward. Jesus died in your stead. Rose again by the power of God. By faith, clinging to Him alone, all your days, you receive a full reward. The reward is Christ, and the way to the reward is Christ.
Charge & Benediction
John levels a challenge to us in this letter. Did your rival Christ bleed for you? Did He fulfill all of God’s righteous law for you? Did He rise again for you? No…the rival Christ’s always demand that you bleed for them. So, if you’ve found yourself bogged down in your spiritual life, Christ summons you, by His Word, to come back to this basic truth: Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. So walk in truth & love.
Jude 1:24-25 (KJV) 24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, [be] glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Riches of Gold & Riches of Grace
This may be a bit of an odd topic for a communion meditation, but hang with me here, let’s talk about money. Wealth is a good thing. However, the glitter of gold often reveals the state of someone’s heart. The overly pious pretend as if it’s intrinsically evil to grow wealth. Meanwhile, godless men are eaten alive by insatiable greed. Posturing yourself as above the need for wealth is often an instance of pride; you deceive yourself with the illusion that you’ve transcended the material world. Often, this feigned contentment, is really hidden resentment for those wealthier than you. And certainly, Wall St. tycoons, Meme-stock geeks, and $1 Billion lotto winners are frequently guilty of putting faith in uncertain riches.
But when you see by faith the wealth upon this table, you also come to see material wealth rightly. You can only build your wealth under the blessing of the Lord through faithful diligence & generosity, if you first understand how incomparable it is to the wealth of God’s kindness to you through Christ. Scripture doesn’t speak of gold derisively. However, the desirability of gold is to be dwarfed by your desire for God’s Word.
“I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches. … Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart. … Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold. … I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. (Ps. 119:14, 111, 127, 162; 19:10, Cf. Pro. 16:16).”
In Jesus Christ you partake of all the riches of God’s grace. That great treasure horde of Christ enables you to freely & rightly enjoy all the blessings of earthly wealth; because you know that gold shall perish, but the Word of the Lord shall endure forever.
So come in faith and welcome to Jesus Christ…
Ingrown Autonomy
The affliction of modern man is what should be ridiculed as “ingrown autonomy”. Man views himself as totally independent. He is authorized by whatever impulse stimulates him at the moment to act accordingly. It is his subjective truth that dictates his moral framework, and his moral framework is guided by that great humanist trinity: “my, myself, and I.”
In contrast, the early Christian creeds begin with a statement which offends man’s self-centeredness by confessing that God the Father is the maker of heaven and earth. As one writer notes, “the creed is simultaneously descriptive and prescriptive. This means that if God is the creator and we are His creatures we owe Him all the honor, obedience, and most importantly worship that is due to Him as the Almighty Creator.”
When Christians recite the creeds, it isn’t a robotic recitation of syllogisms. Rather, our confession of faith in who God is as revealed by scripture, obliges us at the outset to bend our knee to worship. As the 95th Psalm reminds us, “It is He who made us, and not we ourselves.”
The deep roots of the creeds anchor us in faithful worship. You are created, dependent, complex. God is uncreated, free, and simple. You require daily bread, but He is as one Christian mystic put it, “Self-kindled and self-fed.” To be a human is to exist in reference to the sovereign God, while He is the eternal I AM.
He isn’t your equal. He isn’t just the biggest created thing in the cosmos. He is your God. This truth summons you to worship Him, for He made you, and through Christ redeemed you. The humanist daydream of autonomy is to build your house in a nuclear reactor in meltdown; but to bend in faith to worship your Maker is to live in this glorious house which the Living God has created for your good & His glory.
Our sinful attitude throughout history has been to think that God is disposable, ignorable, or irrelevant. Yet the Scriptures and nature itself compels us to come face to face with the awesome truth that He is God the creator of heaven & earth, of all things visible & invisible. This demands our worship. This demands our praise. This demands our faith & obedience. Yet our every sin is a defiant insistence on attempting to be autonomous in a world which God Almighty made and is anything but autonomous. May God forgive us for the pride at the heart of this twisted sense of independence. May He grant us grace to humble ourselves and cast ourselves entirely upon His great mercy and grace.
After all, to be truly human is to recognize that He is God and you are not. This is the only way to truly start living.