The reason for our love to Jesus.

(1 John 4:19) 

The reason for our love to Jesus.

David Guzik Study's Guide for 1 John 4

continued...

We love Him because He first loved us.

Charles Spurgeon was a man who preached the whole counsel of God’s Word, and was careful to not excessively repeat himself in any one area. Yet, he preached five remarkable sermons on these eight words alone.The following comments draw much from Spurgeon's work on this single verse.

a. We love Him: In this great statement, John begins by declaring the heart of every true follower of Jesus Christ. Simply and boldly put, we love Him.

i. This is a fact for every true follower of Jesus. “There is no exception to this rule; if a man loves not God, neither is he born of God. Show me a fire without heat, then show me regeneration that does not produce love to God.” (Spurgeon)

ii. It is something that every Christian should be unafraid to proclaim: “I love Him; I love Jesus.” Can you say that? Are you embarrassed to say it? Can you say, “I love Jesus”?

iii. “I cannot imagine a true man saying, ‘I love Christ, but I do not want others to know that I love him, lest they should laugh at me.’ That is a reason to be laughed at, or rather, to be wept over. Afraid of being laughed at? Oh sir, this is indeed a cowardly fear!” (Spurgeon)

iv. “Look through all the pages of history, and put to the noblest men and women, who seem to still live, this question, ‘Who loves Christ?’ and, at once, up from dark dungeons and cruel racks there rises the confessors’ cry, ‘We love him;’ and from the fiery stake, where they clapped their hands as they were being burned to death, the same answer comes, ‘We love him.’ If you could walk through the miles of catacombs at Rome, and if the holy dead, whose dust lies there, could suddenly wake up, they would all shout, ‘We love him.’ The best and the bravest of men, the noblest and purest of women, have all been in this glorious company; so, surely, you are not ashamed to come forward and say, ‘Put my name down among them.’” (Spurgeon)

v. “Be out-and-out for him; unfurl your colours, never hide them, but nail them to the mast, and say to all who ridicule the saints, ‘If you have any ill words for the followers of Christ, pour them out upon me… but know this — ye shall hear it whether you like it or not, — “I love Christ.”’” (Spurgeon)

There is more...KEY VERSE: “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.’” — Luke 15:7

DISCIPLESHIP GUIDE for the week of FEBRUARY 15 - 21 - 2026

The Supernatural power of a godly wife

 

@howertonjosh The *SUPERNATURAL* power of a godly wife... I've experienced it 🙏 #christiantiktok #christianity #marriage #wife #bible ♬ original sound - Josh Howerton

Megachurch Pastor Reacts to James Talarico's INSANE Claims on ABORTION!? | Live Free w Josh Howerton

 Feb 11, 2026

Live Free with Josh Howerton

Did Jesus stay silent on abortion and homosexuality, or are progressive politicians twisting Scripture to fit a modern agenda? In this LIVE FREE reaction video, Pastor Josh Howerton responds directly to James Talarico’s viral claims on Joe Rogan that Jesus “never talked about” homosexuality or abortion and that Christians have made these issues central for political reasons. Walking carefully through Scripture, this episode dismantles the argument from silence, explains why Jesus’ affirmation of Genesis defines marriage clearly, and shows how the New Testament directly addresses sexual ethics and the sanctity of life. If you’ve heard these talking points online and felt confused, this is the biblical clarity you’ve been looking for. You’ll learn: • Why “Jesus never said it” is a weak theological argument • How Matthew 19 defines marriage and excludes modern redefinitions • Why Romans 1 and 1 Corinthians 6 directly address homosexuality • Whether abortion is truly absent from biblical teaching • How cultural pressure reshapes theology and how to resist it • Why the real issue is the authority of Scripture and the Lordship of Christ This isn’t about politics. It’s about truth. Watch the Full Episode Here –    • Does the Bible Support Abortion?! | Live F...  

What is a way I can see the difference between John the Apostle and John the Baptist?

To see the difference between John the Apostle and John the Baptist, you can look at their distinct roles in Jesus' life and their very different ends. 

While they share a common name, they were two completely different individuals with separate backgrounds. 

Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	John the Baptist	John the Apostle
Primary Role	Forerunner/Preacher	Disciple/Apostle
Relationship to Jesus	Older cousin	Close friend/Disciple
Family	Son of Zechariah and Elizabeth	Son of Zebedee and Salome
Notable Actions	Baptized Jesus in the Jordan	Wrote the Gospel of John and Revelation
Manner of Death	Beheaded by King Herod	Died of old age (Natural causes)
Time of Death	During Jesus' early ministry	Decades after Jesus' resurrection

How to Tell Them Apart

• The Forerunner vs. The Beloved: John the Baptist is the "voice crying in the wilderness" who prepared the way for Jesus. John the Apostle (often called "the disciple whom Jesus loved") was one of the Twelve Apostles and part of Jesus' inner circle.
• Death and Legacy: You can distinguish them by their final days. John the Baptist was martyred early on, famously beheaded at the request of Salome. John the Apostle is traditionally believed to be the only apostle who did not die a martyr's death, instead living to an old age in Ephesus.
• Writings: If you are reading a book of the Bible named "John," it was written by (or attributed to) the Apostle, not the Baptist. The Baptist had already died by the time these books were written.
• Artistic Symbols: In religious art, you can often identify them by their symbols:
  • John the Baptist is usually shown as an ascetic with a camel-hair garment or a lamb.
  • John the Apostle is frequently depicted with an eagle or holding a book/scroll.

 

What Did Jesus Preach?

The predominant focus of mainstream Christianity is the undeserved crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and the subsequent forgiveness of sins that is available through accepting that sacrifice. While this selfless act was and is unquestionably momentous, and its effects exceedingly far-reaching, many would be shocked to find out that the Bible defines the gospel differently than what they have always been told. A thoughtful reading shows that accepting Christ's blood in payment of our sins—as foundationally important as it is—is actually not the focus of the "good news" that He brought and that the apostles continued to preach.

In addition to dying for our sins, Jesus Christ came to earth as a messenger from God the Father:

Behold, I send My messenger [John the Baptist], and he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight. Behold, He is coming," says the LORD of hosts. (Malachi 3:1)

Jesus did not speak His own words, but the words that the Father gave Him (John 8:38-42; 12:49-50; 14:24). His message was not primarily about Himself, but rather the good news that the Father ordained to be announced on earth. While Jesus Christ was categorically the most important individual ever to walk this earth, the Bible shows clearly that the gospel that Jesus brought was not simply about Himself. Read His statements, and prove this for yourself:

» And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. (Matthew 4:23)

» And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. (Matthew 9:35)

» Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." (Mark 1:14-15)

» [Jesus] said to them, "I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent." (Luke 4:43)

» Now it came to pass, afterward, that [Jesus] went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings [gospel] of the kingdom of God. (Luke 8:1)

» The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it. And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail. (Luke 16:16-17)

» And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14)

The inspired Word of God makes it abundantly plain: The "good news" that Jesus Christ brought was about the Kingdom of God! The "gospel of Jesus Christ" is simply the message of good news that Jesus preached—not a message about Jesus. It is not primarily a message about the events in His life and of His becoming the Savior of the world—although it most certainly does include all that. But if the events of His life are not seen in the context of what He said, the resulting "faith" will be full of error and ultimately disastrous!

The announcement of "good news"—the very best news that could be heard today—which the Father gave through Jesus Christ, was about His Kingdom being established on earth.

But what is a kingdom? It is essentially a nation, with all of its citizens, land, and laws, ruled by a government. In biblical usage, a kingdom can also mean a family from a single parent grown into a nation.

A kingdom has four basic elements: 1) a king, supreme ruler, or governing agent; 2) territory, with its specific location and definite boundary lines; 3) subjects or citizens within that territorial jurisdiction; 4) and laws and a form of government through which the will of the ruler is exercised. If we ignore any one of these essential elements—if we ignore the message that Jesus Christ brought from the Father—we will have a distorted faith, one that will not bring salvation.

Next:  Who Will Be King?  (3/12)

 

Was the Book of Enoch BANNED from the Bible...!? | Live Free with Josh Howerton

Dec 7, 2025

Live Free with Josh Howerton

In this Christmas episode of LIVE FREE, Pastors Josh Howerton, Paul Cunningham, and Carlos Erazo explore the growing interest in the Book of Enoch, angelology, and viral claims that the Bible was “altered” or banned. They walk through the history of the biblical canon, explaining why Jude’s reference to Enoch doesn’t validate the entire book. They dive into the perspective that has gained attention on platforms like Joe Rogan’s podcast to bring clarity to Christians. This episode calls believers to trust God’s Word, resist fear-driven speculation, and focus on the truth & authority already revealed in Scripture.

I think, therefore I am paid.

I think, therefore I am paid.

10 Differences between Catholics and Protestants

Mar 2, 2023

Dr. Taylor Marshall Podcast OFFICIAL

SUBSCRIBE here: http://youtube.com/c/drtaylormarshall... In this video, Taylor Marshall compares and contrasts the teachings of the Catholic and Protestant religions. Topics covered include the history of the two faiths, the different sacraments, and the role of faith in daily life. If you're looking for information about Catholics and Protestants, this is the video for you! Taylor Marshall provides an in-depth look at the differences between the two religions, shedding light on their history and teachings. This video is a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about Catholicism and Protestantism. Dr. Taylor Marshall's book: Ant!christ and Apocalypse: https://www.amazon.com/dp/099965862X Dr. Taylor Marshall's book: Infiltration: The Plot to Destroy the Church from Within: https://amzn.to/35fGp6k

Be Encouraged

 

Encourage Your Faith & Trust

I am heard by God. (1 John 5:14)

I will not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8)

God has chosen me. (Romans 8:30)

I am victorious in Christ. (1 John 5:4)

I am a newborn of the King. (1 Peter 2:9)

I am God’s masterpiece. (Ephesians 2:10)

I am fully accepted by God. (Romans 15:7)

Nothing is impossible with God. (Luke 1:37)

God is my strength and my shield. (Psalm 28:7)

I am strong and courageous. (Deuteronomy 31:6)

With God, all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26)

My life has been rescued by Jesus. (1 Timothy 2:6)

God will never fail me or abandon me. (Joshua 1:5)

I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)

I have hope and a future in the Lord. (Jeremiah 29:11)

I am chosen, holy, and dearly loved. (Colossians 3:12)

I am clothed with strength and dignity. (Proverbs 31:25)

I trust the Lord will make all things new. (Revelation 21:5)

I am adopted by God into His royal family. (Ephesians 1:5)

I have been set free from the bondage of sin. (Romans 6:23)

God has fully and completely redeemed me. (Colossians 1:14)

The steadfast love of the Lord never ends. (Lamentations 3:22)

God provides the refuge and shelter my soul seeks. (Psalm 91:4)

He will order His angels to protect me wherever I go. (Psalm 91:11)

I am more than a conqueror through Him who loves me. (Romans 8:37)

God is with me always, even when it doesn’t feel like it. (Matthew 28:20)

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

I have nothing to fear because the Lord is always with me. (Isaiah 41:10)

When I am overwhelmed, God alone knows the way I should turn. (Psalm 142:3)

God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)

The Lord equips me for every good deed and lavishes His grace upon me. (2 Corinthians 9:8)

What do you think?

 

What do you think?

1. We have all sinned and deserve God’s judgment.
2. God, the Father, sent His only Son to satisfy that judgment for those who believe in Him.
3. Jesus, the creator and eternal Son of God, who lived a sinless life, loves us so much that He died for our sins, taking the punishment that we deserve, was buried, and rose from the dead according to the Bible.
4. If you turn from your old ways and truly believe and trust this in your heart, receiving Jesus alone as your Savior, declaring, "Jesus is Lord," you will be saved from judgment and spend eternity with God in heaven.

 OrangeZorba Is The Way...