What's Love Got to Do With It?

1 John 2:15-27 presents us with some challenging thoughts.

Looking specifically at verse 15, John warns us against loving this world and the things of this world. I want to point out however, that as we continue reading in verse 16 and 17, it is not the things of this world, or even enjoying things of this world that is wrong. It is not pleasure but "THE LUST FOR PLEASURE", it is not possessions but "PRIDE IN OUR POSSESSIONS". God created us and gave us the ability to experience pleasure, to distinguish the taste of good food and mediocre food, to experience the adrenaline rush when we do something exciting. These things are not wrong, but when they get to the point where they drive us or consume us - we have then taken control over these emotions away from God and given them over to the things of this evil world. That is when we are in danger. So enjoy life, enjoy the things of this world - but never let your desire for pleasure or enjoyment to lead you away from God as your primary focus in life.

The last part of today's reading is interesting because it talks about the Anti-Christ. In light of speculations amongst Christians that our new President Elect is the Anti-Christ (for the record, I do not believe this to be true) - it is interesting to see how John defines Anti-Christ. John basically says that anyone who denies Christ is an anti-Christ - and he mentions the possibility of several anti-Christs.

Anyone who says that Jesus is not the Christ - the son of God - the Messiah - that person is an anti-Christ. I want to point out - that many people believe in Jesus as a Historical figure - they know about Jesus - but they have not committed their lives to Him. They have not accepted Him as Lord and Savior of their lives.

Many false religions recognize Jesus as a good teacher - or even a prophet - but any teaching that denies Him as the one and only Son of God through whom we are saved is a false teaching or religion. That is what set's Christianity apart from many other religions.

Anyone who denies the Son doesnt' have the Father either. But anyone who confesses the Son has the Father also.